The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has signed a cannabis compact with the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, marking only the second time the state has signed a tribal cannabis compact.

Pokagon Band General Counsel Paul Shagen tells us the compact grants the Pokagons access to Michigan’s licensed adult-use cannabis market, opening up a variety of opportunities to the band.

“Including, for example, by engaging in transactions with state licensees, transporting cannabis outside of Indian lands subject to certain restrictions, integrating into METRC, which is the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system.” Shagen said.

In 2023, the Pokagons opened their Rolling Embers retail store and consumption lounge on tribal land in New Buffalo, but until now, Rolling Embers didn’t have access to the state’s licensed marijuana market. Shagen says the new compact will mean it can access the same wholesale and distribution channels as state-licensed dispensaries. He can’t say if this means we’ll see an expansion of Rolling Embers, but the compact is good news for the business.

“New Buffalo potentially is the most competitive market in the country, and the Pokagon Development Authority Board, the Ember Enterprise Board, and Rolling Embers management really continuously assess operations, including for efficiency and improvements and for potential growth opportunities.”

Shagen says Rolling Embers has been thriving since it opened. He noted it’s paid substantial taxes to the Pokagon Band, and portions have also been shared with the state.

The new cannabis compact also requires the Pokagon Band to share a percentage of its Cannabis Excise Tax with the state to reimburse the cost of administering the compact.