Connecticut Enters Adult-Use Cannabis Compact With Mashantucket Pequot Tribe

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Chairman Robney Butler last week announced the state’s first tribal cannabis compact. The agreement acknowledges the tribe’s own adult-use regulations under state law and will allow tribal operators and state-licensed cannabis companies to do business with each other.

The state of Connecticut and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe each adopted its own adult-use cannabis regulations in 2021. The tribe has not yet authorized any adult-use businesses, but the compact will affect any operators approved in the future to begin producing, processing, and transporting adult-use cannabis on tribal lands.

The agreement also covers cannabis criminal and civil law enforcement, possession and consumption rules, taxes, and safety regulations.

“Together, we recognized the need for cooperation and collaboration with regard to cannabis regulation in the state and on tribal lands,” Lamont said in a statement. “This collaborative effort ensures public health and safety remains the top priority, provides clarity concerning criminal and civil enforcement, and creates a framework that respects tribal jurisdiction while allowing increased participation in the state’s adult-use cannabis market.”

“This compact marks yet another milestone in the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s exercise of its sovereignty and self-determination. It strengthens our government-to-government partnership with the State of Connecticut, and opens the door to future commerce between tribally-licensed cannabis businesses and state licensees.” — Chairman Butler, in a statement

Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis law included provisions allowing for tribal compacts with both the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and/or the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut.