During Native American Heritage Month, Tribal leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry allies will gather to advance Tribal sovereignty, economic opportunity and Indigenous priorities in federal cannabis policy
WASHINGTON, D.C.,September 30, 2026 — During Native American Heritage Month, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) will bring Tribal leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, cannabis and hemp operators, researchers and industry partners to Washington, D.C., Nov. 9–11 for the fifth annual Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit, a national forum focused on Tribal sovereignty, federal cannabis policy and economic opportunity in Indian Country.
This year’s theme, Indigenous Plant Medicine: Leading the Conversation, reflects ICIA’s continued work to ensure Tribal Nations have a strong voice in federal cannabis and hemp policy while protecting treaty rights and sovereign regulatory authority and expanding opportunities for economic development, commerce, research and access to plant medicine.
“It’s year five, and the vision is alive and well. The Summit puts Tribal entrepreneurs and operators in the same room with policymakers and regulators who have a direct impact on their economic future,” said ICIA founder Rob Pero (Bad River). “We’re at a pivotal moment for Indigenous cannabis, and this is an opportunity to connect, unite and raise our collective voice.”
Held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, the three-day Summit will move from conversation to action, beginning with Tribal leadership and industry development, advancing into federal policy and advocacy, and culminating with a Capitol Hill Lobby Day designed to bring Indigenous cannabis priorities directly to federal policymakers.
Day One: Tribal Leadership & Industry Landscape will examine sovereignty in action, sustainable Tribal cannabis economies, Indigenous medicine and research, hemp opportunities and the future of Tribal cannabis. Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs and operators will share firsthand experience building regulatory frameworks and businesses that create jobs, generate Tribal revenue and support long-term economic self-determination.
Day Two: Federal Policy, Advocacy, Partnerships & Action will turn the focus to Washington, with discussions addressing federal Tribal cannabis policy, national coalition building, Capitol Hill advocacy, intertribal and international trade, hemp policy and Tribal regulatory innovation.
Steph Sherer, executive director of Americans for Safe Access, will deliver the morning keynote, Cannabis as Indigenous Medicine, exploring cannabis and healing, the evolution of patient advocacy and research, and opportunities for Indigenous communities to help shape the future of cannabis-based healthcare while honoring traditional knowledge and Tribal sovereignty.
A Federal Tribal Cannabis Policy Update will examine developments involving Congress, DEA scheduling, USDA Tribal hemp programs, FDA oversight, Indian Health Service considerations, Treasury guidance, cannabis banking, tax reform and other federal policies affecting Tribal Nations. Additional sessions will prepare attendees to translate policy priorities into action through coalition building, Capitol Hill advocacy and strategies for effective engagement with federal policymakers.
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Summit will culminate with the Capitol Hill Lobby Day:
Indigenous Cannabis Medicinal Advocacy Campaign. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a special Veterans Day Brunch & Capitol Hill Briefing featuring veteran Poppa Snoop, honoring the service and sacrifice of Native veterans while bringing together Tribal leaders, policymakers, advocates and industry leaders for a conversation about the future of Tribal cannabis.
Following the briefing, attendees will travel to Capitol Hill for a 12:30 p.m. press briefing and congressional meetings focused on bringing Indigenous cannabis priorities directly to federal policymakers, followed by an advocacy debrief.
“The decisions being made in Washington have real consequences for Tribal Nations and Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Pero. “Our goal is not simply to be part of the conversation. Indigenous people need to lead it.”
Registration is now open for the 2026 Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit, Nov. 9–11 at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. To register and learn more about the Summit, visit www.indigenouscannabis.org
About Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) exists to promote the exploration, development and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of Indigenous communities. ICIA advocates for and empowers Indigenous cannabis businesses, leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs while serving as a conduit for connection, education and data for Tribal Nations working toward an equitable, just and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.
To learn more about ICIA’s strategic vision and priorities, visit indigenouscannabis.org.
