Vicente LLP Deepens Engagement with Native American Cannabis and Hemp
Jun 10, 2025
Vicente LLP supports Tribal sovereignty and self-determination in the cannabis and hemp space. To this end, we are working to expand our presence as a legal service provider to Native American communities considering regulated cannabis and hemp programs. After joining the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) as a Gold-Level Member earlier this year, we have continued to demonstrate our commitment to supporting Tribal cannabis and hemp through several collaborative endeavors and engagements.
Over just the past few weeks, our emerging Tribal Cannabis and Hemp team is building upon its role as a trusted legal partner for Indigenous nations navigating the complexities of cannabis policy, economic development, and intergovernmental cooperation. Here are a few of the activities and events we have supported in the last few months pertaining to Tribal cannabis and hemp.
Mapping Tribal Cannabis and Hemp Programs
In collaboration with ICIA, Vicente LLP co-developed the first-ever comprehensive map of Tribal cannabis and hemp programs, shown below.
This developing resource highlights the regulatory frameworks established by various Tribal nations based on data collected from independent research and interviews. The map itself showcases the growing involvement of Indigenous communities in the hemp and cannabis industries across the country, and it serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and Tribal leaders considering developing their own cannabis or hemp programs. Media outlets across the country have widely covered the map, with features in dozens of industry-specific publications and major outlets like Forbes and PoliticoPro.
Sponsoring the ICIA’s 3rd Annual Wisconsin Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit
Vicente LLP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indigenous leadership in cannabis and hemp policy by sponsoring the 3rd Annual Wisconsin Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit hosted by ICIA and the Sokaogon Mole Lake Tribe. The summit took place on February 27 at the Mole Lake Casino Lodge in Crandon, Wisconsin. Vicente attorneys Travis Copenhaver and Jason Tarasek also attended the event to engage with Tribal leaders, policymakers, and advocates working to shape the future of cannabis in Wisconsin.
The summit served as an important platform for Tribal voices, emphasizing sovereignty, economic development, and inclusive cannabis regulation. Vicente LLP is proud to stand alongside the ICIA and Tribal Nations in advancing responsible, equitable cannabis and hemp policy across Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. To further the discussion on how to operationalize a cannabis program in Wisconsin, Jason Tarasek addressed the state’s proposed medical cannabis legislation, implications of the 2025 Farm Bill, and grassroots pathways for reform during the panel “Legislative Updates: Shaping the Future of Cannabis Policy in Wisconsin.”
Exhibiting at the 50th Annual Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference
Vicente LLP attended and exhibited at the 50th Annual Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 28 and 29. At this event, the firm presented the Tribal Cannabis and Hemp Programs Map while also engaging with legal professionals and Tribal leaders to discuss the advancement of Tribal law and cannabis policy.
The annual conference focuses on supporting Tribes and Indigenous communities in protecting their rights, lands, culture, and well-being while fostering collaboration with state and federal governments. This year’s milestone event brought together hundreds of Tribal voices, policymakers, and legal professionals for insightful discussions. Vicente founding partner Brian Vicente, senior associate Yolanda Clarke, partner Jason Tarasek , and marketing manager Samantha Fow were present to engage with fellow conference attendees, share resources, and attend informational sessions.
Navigating the Tribal MOU: A Community-Centered Discussion
On May 21, Vicente LLP co-hosted Navigating the Tribal MOU: A Community Discussion at Indeed Brewing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This event brought together legal experts, Tribal representatives, social equity advocates, and industry leaders to explore the evolving relationship between Tribes and state regulators. Focusing on Minnesota’s cannabis framework, panelists engaged with dozens of Tribal members in attendance, offering a transparent space for meaningful dialogue around the Tribal-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Vicente attorneys Travis Copenhaver and Jason Tarasek provided legal insights as ICIA Founder & CEO Rob Pero moderated, ensuring that respected Native American panelists Mary Jane Oatman and Michael Decorah were able to put Indigenous voices at the center of the conversation.
The solutions-focused discussion that resulted underscored the need for cooperative agreements that respect Tribal sovereignty. The event was part of Vicente LLP’s broader effort to support Tribal governments and entrepreneurs during a crucial moment for cannabis policy in the Upper Midwest and across the nation.
The Future of Native Nations and Cannabis: A National Conversation
On June 2, Vicente LLP partnered with Cultivated Media and ICIA to co-present a national webinar titled The Future of Native Nations and Cannabis. The session featured Native American thought leaders Mary Jane Oatman, Rob Pero, and Michael Decorah in addition to Vicente LLP partner Jason Tarasek. Jason, who brought legal insight and policy expertise to the conversation, has been among the most respected cannabis attorneys in the Upper Midwest, and his work currently focuses mainly on how Native American Tribes can best engage with the burgeoning cannabis and hemp sector in a manner that supports economic and community development.
In addition to the legal and policy information that Jason shared, the dialogue among the panelists explored the national implications of Tribal involvement in the cannabis industry. The discussion highlighted success stories, legal hurdles, and the importance of preserving cultural integrity in the face of the commercialization of a product with a longstanding Indigenous history.
10th Annual Native American Cannabis and Hemp Conference
Vicente LLP’s Jason Tarasek also attended the 10th Annual Native American Cannabis and Hemp Conference, hosted by Native Nation Events in Temecula, California, on June 10 and 11. This premier national forum brought together Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to share strategies for building successful cannabis and hemp operations in Indian Country. By attending and engaging in dialogue with Tribal delegates from across the country, Vicente’s Tribal Cannabis and Hemp team reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Indigenous-led economic development and helping Tribes navigate evolving federal and state regulations.
Looking Ahead
Vicente is committed to growing its Tribal Cannabis and Hemp practice, grounded in a key guiding principle: Tribal nations must lead their cannabis futures. Effective Tribal cannabis programs begin with respect, consultation, and a sovereignty-first approach. Whether facilitating critical community conversations, offering legal guidance, or showing up in the rooms where key cannabis and hemp policy decisions happen, Vicente LLP proudly walks alongside Tribal governments as they shape visionary, sovereign approaches to cannabis governance.
Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about Vicente LLP’s work with Tribal nations or to explore partnership opportunities.