Tribally owned cannabis stores have grown 24% since May 2024

(This is a contributed guest column.To be considered as an MJBizDaily guest columnist, please submit your request here.) Matthew Klas (Courtesy photo)Native American tribes maintained a strong presence in cannabis markets throughout the United States in the past year.

States that have recently legalized adult-use cannabis, such as Minnesota and New York, experienced particularly strong growth in tribally owned businesses. ADVERTISEMENT But new tribal businesses also emerged in states with more mature markets, such as California and Washington.

The U.S.government recognizes 574 Native American tribes, roughly 10% of which have opened recreational marijuana stores and/or medical cannabis dispensaries.

As of April 2025, there are 77 tribally owned cannabis outlets in nine states.The number of stores has grown by 24% since this time last year, demonstrating the continued appeal of cannabis for tribes diversifying their economies.

These retail outlets are owned by 59 different tribes, an increase of 18% since May 2024.Nationwide, the average size for a tribal marijuana store is approximately 4,600 square feet, although sizes range from less than 1,000 square feet to elaborate complexes exceeding 10,000 square feet.

More than 80% of tribes with cannabis retail also own and operate casinos, and 27 of the 77 retailers are located near a tribal casino.Laws of states, sovereign tribal nations can differ Native American nations are sovereign, and their marijuana laws sometimes differ from the state law applicable outside the tribe’s jurisdiction.

Tribal laws are sometimes more restrictive – such as banning cannabis use even in states where recreational marijuana has been legalized – but they also can be more permissive than state laws.For example, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians owns the Great Smoky Cannabis Co., which is the only legal marijuana store in North Carolina, where both medical and recreati...