Pot shop claimed tribal affiliation but Nisqually Tribe says no, turns them in
An unlicensed cannabis store in the Nisqually area advertised it had tribal affiliation, according to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board. But it was the Nisqually Tribe which was concerned the store was too close to the Wa He Lut Indian School, an elementary and middle school.
On Friday, LCB officers seized cannabis products, cash and firearms at the shop, Medicine Creek Territory, at 11117 Conine Avenue SE (Frank’s Landing Plaza) in Lacey.
The Nisqually Tribe has a compact with the state to operate cannabis businesses. The tribe worked with the LCB during the investigation, the LCB said. The investigation revealed that Medicine Creek Territory’s operators are not part of a federally recognized tribe. They were also not on Nisqually tribal land, according to the LCB.
During the investigation, undercover LCB officers purchased illegal cannabis. Under state law, cannabis can only be sold by a licensed business or if the business is operated by a recognized tribe with a state compact.
Over the past few months, undercover LCB officers purchased cannabis at Medicine Creek Territory. LCB officers were assisted by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Friday when they served a search warrant on the business.
Officers seized over 8,000 grams of cannabis flower, nearly 900 concentrate products and over 200 packages of cannabis-infused products, according to the LCB. They also seized three firearms and approximately $6,000 in cash.
Employees at licensed cannabis stores can carry firearms if they are licensed to do so, according to the LCB. In this case, the firearms were seized because they were on the premises of a location where crimes were being committed.
The LCB said it will recommend felony charges to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office, including unlawful possession and delivery of a controlled substance.
NOTE: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the legality of firearms and cannabis retailers.
This story was originally published August 11, 2023 at 6:02 PM.
