One of the biggest questions surrounding the current American cannabis industry has been the question of Native American involvement. Not if tribes would get involved, but when and on what scale? Well, if this historic partnership is any indication, that involvement is closer to reaching fruition than ever before.

Announced today, the Native American owned and operated CannaNative, LLC., has formed a partnership with General Hemp, LLC., one of the largest hemp players in the world. This partnership represents a groundbreaking shift in Native American cannabis involvement, as now over 560 Native tribes will have direct access to assistance and support in their desires to enter the hemp and or cannabis space.

The goal for CannaNative is to help tribes develop hemp and cannabis based economies on Native American lands throughout the United States. Anthony Rivera, Jr., the leader of CannaNative, is a Harvard-educated former Tribal Chairman who plans to help tribes utilize the rapidly growing cannabis and hemp industries to gain true sovereignty and restore self-sufficiency with complete economic and environmental sustainability.

“The response has been 100% positive. Helping tribes create and implement proprietary solutions in the cannabis industry will take them to true sovereignty. Cannabis restoration by sovereign nations represents a unique advantage that is larger than the multi-billion dollar Native American gaming industry.” – Anthony Rivera, Jr. – Co-Founder of CannaNative, LLC.

In addition to a booming cannabis industry, America has seen a drastic rise in hemp imports over the last decade. Current US hemp imports are valued at $620 million annually. Native American tribes have unique rights that allow for cannabis (marijuana and industrial hemp) cultivation, manufacturing, marketing, sales, use, distribution, medical research and even banking institutions for the rapidly growing cash and carry industry. Given the opportunity for Native tribes to excel in a profitable and sustainable hemp industry moving forward, the partnership with industry leaders General Hemp, LLC., makes more sense than ever.

“We are honored to take part in this historic venture between Native Americans and our group that has developed the largest hemp CBD pipeline. Native Americans generally have a good amount of agricultural land that can be used to grow a robust hemp crop. I’m also very excited about the potential for medical marijuana to be grown and researched on native lands; that opens up a great amount of possibilities for tribes and the industry. “ – Dr. Stuart Titus, President of General Hemp, LLC.

Intellects both inside and outside the cannabis industry have been waiting to see if and when the Native American community would join the ‘green rush’, especially given the success of the gaming industry. General Hemp, LLC. President Dr. Stuart Titus thinks Native involvement is not only great for each individual tribe, whereas the gaming industry is rather limited based on location and tourism potential, but Native involvement could also help lay a foundation for successful banking for the entire cannabis industry.

“Native Americans have done a lot to get the gaming industry ‘banked’ so to speak; the Native American gaming industry represents a proven banking model in a cash-based industry. Another thing we are interested in is developing banking solutions for the cannabis industry. Through the development of CannaNative, we are very excited about the numerous opportunities before us.” – Dr. Stuart Titus, President of General Hemp, LLC.

Rivera went on to add:

“In the gaming industry, location is key and not all tribes are benefitting. However, the cannabis industry is limited to only land and imagination. The gaming industry is a great stepping stone proving that native tribes already have a blueprint for success in a cash-driven industry. Becoming involved in the cannabis industry levels the playing field for all tribes. We are here to help tribes grow with CannaNative.” – Anthony Rivera, Jr. – Co-Founder of CannaNative, LLC.

The Vision

The vision for CannaNative began with former tribal Chairman, Anthony Rivera, Jr., who evaluated the emerging cannabis industry and viable business partnerships in late 2014. By early 2015, Rivera established a majority partnership with General Hemp, LLC, and launched the unprecedented venture CannaNative, LLC. CannaNative plans to bring back improved health, wellness and prosperity to all tribal nations – with cannabis.

Press Coverage

CannaNative was featured yesterday in a Bloomberg issued report titled “Where To Stash Cannabis Cash? Tribal Nations Make Bid To Bank It”, introducing the Native American economic development and advisory group. The report answers the question that Bloomberg recently posed, “Does Anybody Want $3 Billion in Cash From Pot Sales? Big Banks Say No, Thanks”.

Historical Connection Between Native Americans & Hemp

“To move forward, one must first take a look back at our ancient heritage.” – Anthony Rivera, Jr. – Co-Founder of CannaNative, LLC.

According to hemp history, carbon tests have suggested that the use of wild hemp dates as far back as 8000 B.C. ‘The Columbia History of the World‘ (1996) states that weaving of hemp fiber began over 10,000 years ago. Native American natural remedies and farming heritage and culture dates back centuries.

The reason, Rivera states, “Cannabis benefits Mother Earth and mankind.”

There are more than 25,000 known uses for industrial hemp, including pulp, paper, insulation, biocomposites, construction materials, food, feed and pharmaceuticals. Hemp is used today for soil remediation in polluted areas; planting cannabis naturally eliminates toxins and restores balance. With no need for herbicides or pesticides, cannabis is a proven eco-friendly resource.

Tribal gifts and offerings included a bear claw necklace.

The crop flourished until negative propaganda created a stigma of its use in the late 1930s. By the early 1940s, the botanical was removed from the U.S. economy and pharmacopeia. The demonization and elimination of hemp were extended to tribal nations through Federal law.

Today with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Wilkinson and Cole memorandums, that has all changed. Functioning as an educational and advisory group on the cannabis industry, CannaNative, LLC. has traveled to numerous leaders on reservations across the country. Their meetings have focused on the development of tribal nations through sustainable cannabis-based solutions, as well as protecting tribal sovereignty through strict regulations and collaboration with legal authorities.

How do you think Native American involvement will impact the cannabis industry moving forward? Join the conversation and comment below!