Several weeks after Nebraska awarded its first medical cannabis cultivation licenses, the Omaha Tribe Cannabis Commission made a groundbreaking decision by voting to award the tribe itself with vertical licensure. This move allows the Omaha Tribe to fully participate in every aspect of the cannabis industry including cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales.
The Omaha Tribe officially legalized cannabis both medical and recreational in July, setting itself apart as a progressive force in Nebraska’s cannabis landscape. The vertical licensure granted by the Omaha Tribe Cannabis Commission gives tribal members a unique opportunity to manage and benefit from every stage of the cannabis business. From seed to sale, the tribe can now oversee the full production cycle within its jurisdiction.
During a meeting held Monday, the Omaha Tribe presented draft cannabis regulations that are notably less restrictive than the state of Nebraska’s. Unlike the state’s rules, the tribe’s proposed regulations do not include limits on cannabis flower or flavoring in products. This distinction marks a significant step toward tribal sovereignty and economic independence, reflecting the Omaha Tribe’s broader goal of self-determination in cannabis governance.
John Cartier, the attorney general for the Omaha Tribe, emphasized that these regulatory choices were intentional. “We want to stand as a direct contrast to that dysfunction and show that the will of the voters is being respected, at least on the Omaha Reservation, and we're prepared to move forward to grant access to the folks that need help through medical cannabis,” Cartier said.
Tribal members also pointed to the potential for economic development on the reservation, which lies roughly 70 miles north of Omaha. The Omaha Tribe expects that the new cannabis initiative will create jobs, generate revenue, and foster long-term sustainability for the community. By keeping control of licensing and operations within the tribe, the Omaha Tribe ensures that profits and benefits remain local reinvested into education, healthcare, and infrastructure for tribal citizens.
The Omaha Tribe’s forward-thinking approach could serve as a model for other Indigenous nations exploring opportunities in cannabis. As Nebraska continues to debate the future of cannabis legalization statewide, the Omaha Tribe stands at the forefront, demonstrating how tribal leadership can successfully balance regulatory responsibility with economic growth.
With vertical licensure now in place, the Omaha Tribe is poised to shape its own cannabis future one rooted in sovereignty, opportunity, and respect for community values.
