Cherokee Nation official says medical marijuana possession still illegal

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) – A Cherokee Nation official says medical marijuana won’t be legal on the Oklahoma-based tribe’s property even though the state’s voters approved use of the plant.

The Cherokee Phoenix reports Cherokee Nation Assistant Attorney General Chrissi Nimmo says the tribe must adhere to its own laws as well as federal regulations, and that Oklahoma law does not apply. Nimmo says possession and sale of cannabis remain illegal under tribal and federal law.

Nimmo says some of the tribe’s funding is conditioned on prohibiting the use of marijuana in any form.

Oklahoma voters in June approved use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The state health department is accepting applications from potential patients, growers, dispensaries and caregivers.