FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Agency Tribal Nations Issues PN-520: Fully Revised Constitution Adopted
Constitution Brought Into Full Compliance with Federal Law (2018 Farm Bill) and Tribal Law — Comprehensive Hemp & Cannabis Definitions and Federal Alignment Provisions Adopted

April 8, 2026

Mendocino Indian Reservation • Sovereign Tribal Territory

Public Notice #: PN-520

Constitution: Adopted May 2020

Fully Revised: March 26, 2026

AGENCY TRIBAL NATIONS today issued Public Notice PN-520, formally announcing the adoption and publication of the Fully Revised and Integrated Constitution of the Mendocino California Tribal Nations of the Mendocino Indian Reservation, ratified on March 26, 2026. The fully revised Constitution brings the foundational governing document of Agency Tribal Nations into full compliance with both federal law — specifically the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (the "2018 Farm Bill"), 7 U.S.C. § 1639o — and tribal law, while preserving the Tribe's inherent sovereign authority and treaty-reserved rights under the 1856 Mendocino Indian Reservation Treaty.

Federal & Tribal Law Compliance

The March 26, 2026 revisions align the Constitution with federal statutory definitions of hemp and related cannabis terms while expressly preserving the Tribe's treaty-reserved rights and sovereign authority. The Constitution now provides clear, unified legal definitions that enable interstate commerce, federal cooperation, and the lawful operation of the Tribal Hemp & Cannabis Program under both federal and tribal law.

Federal Alignment — Hemp definition aligned with the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1639o), as amended by the 2018 Farm Bill, including the 0.3% delta-9 THC concentration threshold.
Future-Proofing Language — The Tribal Legislative Assembly may, by ordinance, adopt future amendments to the federal definition of hemp to maintain ongoing alignment with federal law.
Treaty Rights Preserved — Federal alignment does not diminish the Tribe's treaty-reserved rights under the 1856 Mendocino Indian Reservation Treaty or its inherent sovereign authority to regulate hemp.
Tribal Hemp & Cannabis Program — Operationalized under Ordinance No. 2025-HEMP, with standards for cultivation, testing, and product safety consistent with both federal and tribal law.

Summary of March 26, 2026 Revisions

The fully revised Constitution, adopted by the sovereign will of the Mendocino California Tribal Nations on the 26th day of March, 2026, includes the following substantive amendments:

Article 19 — Economic Sovereignty and Hemp Protections

Amended to include federal alignment provisions. Under the revised § 19-2 (Hemp Sovereignty Under 1856 Treaty), the Tribe expressly retains its treaty-reserved rights to regulate all aspects of hemp production, processing, and commerce, while electing to align its hemp definition with federal law to facilitate interstate commerce and federal cooperation. Section 19-3 (Tribal Hemp Program) now expressly authorizes the Tribal Nation to adopt federal definitions by ordinance while preserving its sovereign right to amend or depart from such definitions upon proper legislative action.

Article 23 — Legal Definitions

Amended to add a comprehensive new § 23-5 (Hemp and Cannabis Terms) providing legal definitions for:

HEMP — aligned with 7 U.S.C. § 1639o (delta-9 THC ≤ 0.3% on a dry weight basis), with future-proofing language
HEMP-A (THCA) — not classified as a controlled substance when derived from hemp
MARIJUANA / CANNABIS — defined exclusive of hemp
TETRAHYDROCANNABINOLS / THC — THC naturally occurring in or derived from hemp not considered controlled substances
HASHISH — resin derived from hemp not considered hashish
CULTIVATION, PROCESSING, CANNABINOIDS, HEMP-DERIVED PRODUCTS — supporting definitions

Article 3, § 3-2 — Conforming Amendment

Conforming amendment added to § 3-2 (Legal Codes Adopted) to ensure consistent interpretation of controlled substance references in adopted federal codes. Specifically, any reference to "marihuana," "tetrahydrocannabinols," or other controlled substances in the adopted provisions of 25 C.F.R. §§ 11.100 to 11.1214 (governing courts and offenses) shall be interpreted consistent with the definitions set forth in Article 23, § 23-5 of this Constitution.

Why This Matters

The March 26, 2026 revisions resolve any ambiguity between the Tribe's treaty-reserved hemp rights, the Tribal Hemp & Cannabis Program, and the federal statutory framework for hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. By bringing the Constitution into express alignment with federal law — while preserving every treaty right, every sovereign authority, and every protection under the 1856 Treaty — the Tribal Nation has eliminated any pretext for federal, state, or county interference with lawful tribal hemp commerce, while opening clear pathways for interstate commerce, federal contracting, and intergovernmental cooperation.

Effective Date and Status

The fully revised Constitution was adopted by the sovereign will of the Mendocino California Tribal Nations on the 26th day of March, 2026. Public Notice PN-520 announcing its publication is effective April 8, 2026. The Constitution is now the supreme law of the Mendocino California Tribal Nations under Article 25, § 25-3, and any law or action inconsistent with it is void. The Office of the Head Chief and the Legislative Assembly are authorized to advance implementation, ordinance development, and intergovernmental coordination consistent with this notice.

Read the Fully Revised Constitution

The Constitution is published in two official forms. Both versions are authoritative and identical in substance.

Read HTML Version Download Official PDF

Submit a Public Comment on PN-520

This Public Notice is open for public comment for thirty (30) days from the date of publication. The Tribal membership, the public, federal, state, county, and municipal actors, and any other interested party may submit a comment, objection, or response on the fully revised Constitution during the disclosure period.

Comment Period: April 8, 2026 — May 8, 2026

Comment via Email

Comments are sent to chief@altearth.org — Office of the Head Chief, Agency Tribal Nations

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