Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Opens North Carolina's First And Only Medical Marijuana Dispensary On 4/20

The opening of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ dispensary marks the first time marijuana can legally be purchased in North Carolina. The grand opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company was held on 4/20.

This opening follows the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council's 2021 decision to legalize medical cannabis within the Qualla Boundary. The ECBI is a sovereign self-governed nation and a federally recognized tribe, hence the community has the right to open a medical marijuana dispensary in the otherwise fully prohibitionist state of North Carolina.

Among those patients was Chris Suttle, whose survival from a terminal diagnosis through cannabis serves as a testament to the profound impact of this opening. "I decided that first appointment when they told me the tumor had shrunk, that if cannabis saved my life, that I would dedicate my life to it," Suttle said according to Spectrum News 1, highlighting the personal and social significance of this day.

Facing Federal Challenges

However, this progress occurs against a backdrop of federal resistance. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R) introduced the “Stop Pot Act” in September last year, threatening to cut federal funding to entities legalizing cannabis, directly targeting tribal initiatives like the EBCI’s. Despite these threats, the EBCI’s actions reflect a strong stand on sovereignty and patient rights, even as they consider expanding legalization to adult use.

Economic And Social Implications

Beyond healthcare, the dispensary’s launch is anticipated to boost tourism and economic activity within the Qualla Boundary. With strict regulations ensuring products remain within tribal lands, the initiative promises a safe and regulated environment for both medical patients and visitors, adding a new dimension to the region’s appeal.

"As long as they follow the rules and they don't take products outside of the boundary, they have nothing to fear when they're here," Suttle added. "They can enjoy the casino. They can enjoy the wonderful nature trails, the waterfalls."

The Landscape Of Cannabis Legalization In Tribal Nations

While some tribal nations have embraced the legalization of cannabis, others are still navigating the complexities of federal and state regulations. In Minnesota, the White Earth Nation led the charge in launching legal cannabis sales on tribal lands shortly after the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis.

Meanwhile, leaders like Mary Jane Oatman, an advocate for Native American voices and traditions in the cannabis industry, are aiming to reclaim Indigenous cultures and restore traditional economies. In Wisconsin, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) spearheads efforts to promote education, advocacy, and resource-sharing among tribal nations, laying the groundwork for policy reform and economic opportunities.