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NorCal Tribe Cashes In On Green Rush, Launches Multi-Million Dollar Pot Farm

SANTA ROSA (CBS/AP) -- A Mendocino County tribe has signed up to be the first tribe in the state to launch a large marijuana-growing operation.

The Pinoleville Pomo Nation has contracted to build a $10 million facility to grow marijuana indoors. A Colorado-based grower and a Kansas-based grower and casino investor are expected to grow thousands of marijuana plants on the tribe's rancheria in Mendocino County.

Representatives of the groups say the operation will open in February north of Ukiah.

The tribe has about 100 acres of land in Mendocino County, home to about 70 tribal members. Originally known as the Pomo, the Pinoleville people lived in Ukiah Valley before white, non-native settlers overran their land during the mid-19th century. The federal government established their reservation in 1911.

Medical marijuana is legal in California and many expect voters to legalize recreational marijuana use next year. Mendocino Country authorities say the tribal operation will be exempt from all local and most state regulation.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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