The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have begun recreational cannabis sales on their tribal lands of the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. This took place this past weekend on Saturday, allowing adults aged 21 and over to buy cannabis products at the tribe-owned Great Smoky Cannabis Company. Although cannabis remains illegal in North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can manage cannabis sales, thanks to their status as a sovereign nation.
What is the Qualla Boundary?
The Qualla Boundary is the designated land for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It spans around 57,000 acres in western North Carolina and operates as a sovereign nation. This means the tribe can create and enforce its own laws, independent of state regulations. The ability to govern itself has allowed the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to pass rules related to cannabis despite its illegal status in North Carolina.
ECBI’s Journey to Legalization
The road to recreational cannabis sales was not without its challenges. The tribe first opened its doors to medical marijuana patients earlier this year, on April 20. This initial step allowed the Great Smoky Cannabis Company to establish itself as a reliable source of quality cannabis products for those with medical needs. The success of this laid the groundwork for the next phase—recreational sales.
In September 2023, tribal members voted in a referendum to back adult recreational use of cannabis on their reservation. This vote was a pivotal moment, signaling strong community support for expanding cannabis access. The tribal council was then tasked with developing legislation to regulate the recreational market. By June, the council had hammered out the details, effectively decriminalizing cannabis on Eastern Band land.
The tribe faced opposition from local lawmakers. Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards introduced legislation that would have removed federal highway funding from tribes and states that legalized marijuana. Fortunately, this bill ultimately died, allowing the tribe to proceed with its plans.
Grand Opening of Recreational Cannabis Sales in North Carolina
On the morning of the grand opening, hundreds of customers lined up outside the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, eagerly awaiting their turn to make a purchase. The day was described as “history in the making,” and it truly was. The shop, located near the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, is expected to be a significant revenue generator for the 14,000-member tribe.
The dispensary offers both in-store and drive-thru options, making it convenient for a wide range of customers. Initially, the store only sold to members of the tribe with a medical cannabis recommendation and adults enrolled in any federally recognized tribe. However, the new regulations now allow any adult over 21 to make a purchase.
It’s important to note that while you can legally buy marijuana at the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, the products cannot be taken off tribal land. Additionally, consumption of cannabis on store property is prohibited.
The move to legalize recreational cannabis is not just about providing access; it’s also a strategic economic decision. Forrest Parker, the general manager of Qualla Enterprises, estimated that revenue could reach $385 million in the first year of adult-use legalization and exceed $800 million by year five. This financial boost is expected to provide substantial benefits to the tribe, funding various community projects and initiatives.
Implications for Cannabis in North Carolina
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ decision to legalize recreational cannabis has far-reaching implications. It sets a precedent for other tribes and states considering similar moves. While North Carolina as a whole has been slow to adopt cannabis reforms, this development could serve as a catalyst for change.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company is currently the only legal retail cannabis location in North Carolina. Therefore, this unique position gives it a competitive edge, attracting customers from neighboring states where cannabis remains illegal.
The success of this venture could influence state lawmakers to reconsider their stance on cannabis. Public opinion is increasingly in favor of legalization, and the economic benefits are hard to ignore. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has shown that it is possible to create a regulated, profitable cannabis market even in areas where the drug is otherwise illegal.
