Tribal governments in Nevada will now be able to enter cannabis negotiations directly with the state’s governor’s office, thanks to legislation signed earlier this month.

The legislation, Senate Bill 375, allows for legal negotiations on the use and sale of medical cannabis on tribal lands and the governor’s office to bypass federal laws that limit commerce discussions between tribes and Congress.

“The voters have spoken on marijuana and they’ve adopted this,” Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said before signing the bill. “It’s important that the Native American people can participate in this and for the state to work with all of you.”

Gov. Sandoval also referenced the bill as developing and enabling in terms of economic benefits.

Yerington Paiute Chairwoman Laurie Thom thanked Sandoval and state Sen. Tick Segerblom for “supporting the tribes and listening to our needs.”

“This is key to the economic development of our tribes and also brings needed medicine to the reservation,” Thom said.

Senate Bill 396, allowing more funds and permission for low-THC hemp research to be conducted beyond Nevada universities and select cannabis growers in the state, also passed the same day.