LAS VEGAS — With many First Nations communities in Canada looking at the impending legalization of cannabis as an economic opportunity, it’s interesting to see what is going on in the United States, considering the differing legal climate between the two countries.
On August 2, 2017, GB Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX) announced an agreement with the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians (Los Coyotes) for the purposes of establishing cannabis operations on the tribe’s lands located near Warner Springs, California.
This is the first time a publicly traded US cannabis cultivation company and a federally recognized Native American tribe have announced a commercial cannabis venture in California.
The nonbinding Joint Statement of Intent outlines plans to build and operate facilities to grow, manufacture, and distribute commercial cannabis and cannabis products in the State of California.
GB Sciences will construct facilities on designated areas of tribal land for the business of cultivation, manufacturing and other commercial cannabis activities. Los Coyotes will receive 40 percent of the venture’s net profits, of which 10 percent will fund tribal childhood education and elder assistance programs.
GB Sciences John Poss said, “The tribe and its leadership are ideal partners for GB Sciences. We share the same attitudes toward the business, the same intentions for the quality of the product, and the same positive goals for tribe. It is difficult to imagine a better way to enter the gigantic California cannabis market.”
Los Coyotes Tribal Chairman Shane Chapparosa said, “We welcome this important partnership with GB Sciences. They are the ideal partners to facilitate Los Coyotes’ move into California’s cannabis market. In addition to producing much-needed revenue and jobs for the tribe, and the partnership will confer a distinct benefit to patients as we work with GB to develop strains with great therapeutic value.”
Once consummated, the agreement between the Tribe and GB will result in a new entity, which would be initially funded by advances from GB, and which ultimately would be owned 60 percent by GB Sciences and 40 percent by the tribe, with GB being the manager of the operation.
The Statement also makes it clear that all applicable rules and regulations will be respected by both parties, and that appropriate, applicable licensure pursuant to, or replicating, the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act will be sought. Further, the Statement is clear that no steps will be taken that could possibly compromise or abrogate the Tribe’s sovereign status.
Note: Although the Company’s research and development activities are not illegal, the production and sale of cannabis products violate federal laws as they presently exist.
SOURCE GB Sciences, Inc.
