The California Native American Cannabis Association (C-NACA) asked Gov. Jerry Brown to hold government-to-government consultations with tribes and ensure cannabis regulations respect tribal sovereignty and the right to self-regulate.

The association planned a conference on tribal cannabis issues from October 29 to November 1 to secure sovereign nations’ rights under California’s social cannabis law. The law which governs California cannabis regulations goes into effect on January 1 but currently does not address the sovereign rights of Native American Nations.

Tina Braithwaite, a Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute chairwoman and association member, said tribes should be allowed to enter the industry without giving up the ability to govern their land and people. Tribes should not be forced to conform to state licensing structure and should be treated as independent nations.

“All we are asking is for a government-government consultation to work together to ensure public health and safety is met,” said Blue Quisquis, President of Emerald Enterprise and Sapphire MJ Solutions. “When tribes govern themselves and self-regulate, we are fully expressing our sovereignty to improve our people’s life on reservations for the next seven generations, and the communities around us.“

C-NACA will be hosting its meeting for tribes on September 20. Participants will learn about what tribal leaders need to know if they set up a tribal cannabis commission, tribal ordinances, regulations, training, and more.