Elko Band reaps financial benefits from Newe Cannabis dispensary, despite opening during pandemic

 ELKO, Nev. — The Elko Band Colony, one of the four bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, has brought some needed financial stability to its community — even during the pandemic — with the launch of a new business. 

In April, just after COVID-19 began to sweep through the country, the Elko Band opened Newe Cannabis on reservation lands near the city of Elko in northeastern Nevada. While the pandemic forced the Elko Band to alter its business strategy somewhat to follow social distancing rules and other guidelines, leaders say the tribal community has already started to reap the benefits from the new venture. 

“Economically, it was a great move for the tribe,” Juan Arevalo, vice chairman of the Elko Band Colony, told Native News Online. “Moving forward, it was the best thing for us to do to obtain that sustainability.”