Rob Pero’s Canndigenous is spearheading efforts to empower Indigenous people in the cannabis industry, promoting economic sustainability and healing through plant medicine.
In a groundbreaking move, Rob Pero, the owner of Canndigenous, Wisconsin’s first independent, Indigenous-owned cannabis company, is leading the charge to help Indigenous people across the country tap into the burgeoning cannabis industry. With a deep-rooted belief in the healing power of plant medicine, Pero aims to create opportunities for tribes to trade with each other and build a sustainable economy. However, he also acknowledges the challenges that come with breaking into the cannabis market, including stigma and historic trauma associated with substance abuse. Pero’s vision is supported by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and four other tribes who have joined forces to form the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), with the aim of sharing knowledge, connecting entrepreneurs, and navigating the legal complexities of the industry.
A Rich Indigenous History with Cannabis
For centuries, Indigenous communities have utilized various plants, including cannabis and hemp, for medicinal purposes. Pero emphasizes that these plants have been integral to their healing practices and it only makes sense for Indigenous people to tap into the cannabis industry. While hemp cannabis is legal in Wisconsin, marijuana remains classified as a controlled substance. However, the distinction between the two plants is important, as hemp does not possess the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. By leveraging their ancestral knowledge and connection to these plants, Indigenous entrepreneurs like Pero are reclaiming their heritage and contributing to the emerging cannabis market.
Overcoming Challenges and Stigma
While the potential of the cannabis industry is vast, Indigenous communities face unique challenges in entering this market. Stigma surrounding substance abuse, opioids, and fentanyl on Indian land adds complexity to their efforts. Historic trauma further compounds these challenges. Michael Jon Decorah, a senior intergovernmental affairs specialist for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, highlights the urgency to address addiction within their communities. Decorah believes that hemp and cannabis can serve as alternatives to traditional addiction treatments, providing a natural and holistic approach to healing. By embracing the medicinal properties of cannabis, Indigenous communities are taking proactive steps to combat addiction and promote overall well-being.
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA)
To facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Rob Pero founded the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) in 2022. The ICIA serves as a platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs, tribal nations, and industry leaders to connect and navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. Through the ICIA, Pero aims to establish a credible network of vendors and provide tribes with the legal framework necessary for intertribal trade. The ICIA currently includes the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. By uniting these tribes, the ICIA aims to foster economic growth, cultural preservation, and healing within Indigenous communities.
Conclusion:
Rob Pero’s Canndigenous and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) are at the forefront of empowering Indigenous people in the cannabis industry. By combining ancestral knowledge, economic sustainability, and a commitment to healing, Indigenous entrepreneurs are reclaiming their heritage and shaping the future of the cannabis market. Despite the challenges they face, including stigma and historic trauma, these trailblazers are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry. As the ICIA continues to grow, it holds the potential to transform the cannabis landscape, promoting economic empowerment and fostering a deeper connection to plant medicine within Indigenous communities.
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