AKWESASNE — Pursuant to a referendum approved by tribal voters Dec. 3, 2016, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was authorized to explore the regulation of medical marijuana.

Proposed regulations have now been drafted and three public meetings dates have been identified to present a draft medical marijuana ordinance to tribal membership July 13, July 25, and Aug. 10.

In December 2016, tribal voters were posed with the referendum question, “Should the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe explore options to legalize, license and regulate the cultivation, production and distribution of medical marijuana?”

Sixty-three percent of tribal voters approved the exploration into medical marijuana, with 347 “Yes” votes, 197 “No” votes, 1 voided and 3 spoiled ballots.

Since that time, the tribe’s Office of the General Counsel researched steps needed in developing a draft medical marijuana ordinance. In accordance with the 2013 Tribal Procedures Act, the draft ordinance is now being presented during a 30-day comment period for public input and feedback.

Community members can review and give feedback on the ordinance at three public meetings being held at the Ionkwakiohkwaróron Tribal Administration Building, 71 Margaret Terrance Memorial Way.

The meetings take place during the monthly tribal meetings Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 25 at 5 p.m., and after the monthly meeting Saturday, Aug. 10.

The draft ordinance is also available to review by accessing the Tribal Members Portal from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.