Foxwoods Casino's Tribe Inks Cannabis Compact with Connecticut

^{The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe owns and operates Foxwoods Casino Resort in Connecticut. The tribe will now be able to develop a cannabis industry after reaching a compact with Gov. Ned Lamont on June 18. (Photo: Birchtree / Alamy)}

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which owns and operates Foxwoods Casino, agreed to a compact on June 18 that will allow the tribe to buy and sell cannabis and work with distributors that are licensed in the state.

The compact will allow the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to develop a cannabis industry in any way that tribal leaders deem fit. So far, tribal leaders haven’t announced any specific plans for taking advantage of the opportunity. 

Tribe, State Say Pot Agreement Strengthens Ties

Tribal and state officials framed the agreement as an extension of the tribe's existing relationship with the state of Connecticut.

“This compact marks yet another milestone in the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s exercise of its sovereignty and self-determination,” Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Chairman Rodney Butler said in a statement. “It strengthens our government-to-government partnership with the State of Connecticut, and opens the door to future commerce between tribally-licensed cannabis businesses and state licensees.”

Gov. Lamont said that the deal would continue a relationship with the tribe that was “built on respect for tribal sovereignty.”

“Together, we recognized the need for cooperation and collaboration with regard to cannabis regulation in the state and on tribal lands,” Lamont said in a statement. “This collaborative effort ensures public health and safety remains the top priority, provides clarity concerning criminal and civil enforcement, and creates a framework that respects tribal jurisdiction while allowing increased participation in the state’s adult-use cannabis market.”

Republicans Question Tax Implications and Public Safety

Not everyone agrees that the compact was a smart move. Republican legislators in Connecticut sent a letter to Gov. Lamont and other Democratic leaders in the state addressing questions about potential health risks and whether the compact might divert tax revenue from Connecticut’s own cannabis market.

Among the issues raised was the potential for impaired driving if the tribe adds marijuana lounges to Foxwoods.

“Creating a situation where people are going to be able to go to a concert or smoke pot in a lounge and then have to drive home is inviting problems for our own state police,” Minority Leader Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-East Haven) told WFSB.

But Gov. Lamont dismissed that concern, noting that existing state law already covers that issue, which police already deal with in Connecticut.

“We have had it legalized in this state for a few years, so we went through all those concerns before,” Lamont said. “We enforce our laws. Distracted driving is against the law, and we hold people accountable.”

The challenge of how to merge regulations between casino gaming and marijuana has been an ongoing concern in many jurisdictions, including in Nevada. At least one Nevada assemblyman has proposed legalizing marijuana deliveries on the Las Vegas Strip, as smoking or consuming marijuana remains illegal there outside of private residences and cannabis lounges.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe continues to have a massive impact on the Connecticut economy, and will now play a role in the state's cannabis market. Learn more about how tribes across North America play an important role in their communities as Casinos.com celebrates Tribal Gaming Month.