California's First Massive Pot Operation Growing On Tribal Land Raided
SANTA ROSA (CBS/AP) — Mendocino County authorities have raided what was known to be the state's first large-scale medical marijuana growing operation on tribal land.
The Press Democrat reports sheriff's deputies seized about 400 plants Tuesday and dismantled a laboratory where honey oil used to make edible medicine was being stored by the Pinoleville Pomo Nation.
Representatives of the 250-member tribe who helped launch the growing operation argued that they had a right to grow marijuana on the tribe's 99-acre rancheria near Ukiah.
Sheriff's Capt. Greg Van Patten says the tribe's operation was targeted due to its large size and because triballeaders had said it would be used to generate income, which violates state marijuana laws.
Tribal leaders plan to bring the case to the county grand jury to investigate the matter.
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