The recent launch of recreational marijuana sales on tribal lands in North Carolina has sparked significant attention, especially as marijuana remains illegal across the rest of the state. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has taken a bold step by opening the doors to legal adult-use marijuana sales, marking a historic moment for North Carolina.
The First Legal Sales in North Carolina
On September 7, 2024, the EBCI officially began selling recreational marijuana to adults 21 and older at the Great Smoky Cannabis Co., located on the Qualla Boundary, the tribe’s land. This follows a vote by the tribe in 2023, where members overwhelmingly supported legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Although this is a significant milestone for the tribe, it’s important to note that marijuana remains illegal outside of tribal land across North Carolina.
The dispensary's opening was met with enthusiastic support from the community, and long lines of cars formed outside as people waited for their chance to make history. The Great Smoky Cannabis Co. had previously only sold marijuana to members of federally recognized tribes, but this event marked the first time that sales were extended to all adults.
Despite this development, there are strict regulations surrounding marijuana use and transportation. Marijuana products purchased at Great Smoky Cannabis Co. must be consumed on tribal land and cannot legally be transported off the property. This poses a unique challenge for consumers who may live outside the Qualla Boundary and want to take their purchases home.
North Carolina’s Current Stance on Marijuana
While the EBCI has legalized marijuana sales on its land, North Carolina as a whole has remained firm in its opposition to marijuana legalization. Marijuana, whether for medical or recreational use, remains illegal throughout the state. This dichotomy has led to tension between state lawmakers and the EBCI, with some officials expressing concern about the potential for marijuana to spread beyond tribal lands.
Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have been particularly vocal in their opposition to the EBCI’s decision to legalize marijuana. In a statement earlier this year, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd raised concerns about how the tribe’s actions could affect communities outside the Qualla Boundary, pointing to the ongoing drug crisis in the state.
Despite these concerns, the EBCI has moved forward with its plans, asserting its tribal sovereignty and its right to make decisions for its people. The tribe believes that legalizing marijuana will provide a significant economic boost, with projections suggesting that the industry could generate millions of dollars in revenue within the first few years of operation.
Is Marijuana in the Future for North Carolina?
Although recreational marijuana remains illegal across North Carolina, there is growing interest in legalizing medical marijuana. Several lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing for legislation that would allow patients to access marijuana for medical purposes. However, progress has been slow, and the state remains one of the few in the country without a medical marijuana program.
For those interested in marijuana for its therapeutic benefits, a medical marijuana program would be a crucial step forward. The medicinal use of marijuana has been shown to provide relief for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and more. By legalizing medical marijuana, North Carolina could offer patients a safer and more effective alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals, many of which come with serious side effects.
In the meantime, residents of North Carolina who wish to access medical marijuana will have to travel to neighboring states that have already established medical programs or purchase from EBCI dispensaries on tribal land. However, transporting marijuana off tribal land remains illegal, making it difficult for patients to access consistent treatment without legal repercussions.
Why You Should Consider Medical Marijuana
In states like North Carolina, where recreational marijuana is not available, medical marijuana offers significant benefits. Tailored to specific medical conditions, it provides relief where other treatments often fail. Cannabis is known for alleviating chronic pain, offering a safer alternative to opioids, which carry addiction risks.
Medical marijuana, especially CBD, has been proven to reduce seizures in epilepsy patients who don’t respond to conventional drugs. It also helps those with PTSD, anxiety, and depression improve mood without relying on heavy psychiatric medications. For chemotherapy patients, it reduces nausea and stimulates appetite. While recreational use isn’t an option in North Carolina, the potential for medical legalization brings hope to those needing marijuana for medicinal purposes.
The Importance of Tribal Sovereignty
The EBCI’s decision to legalize marijuana on its land underscores the importance of tribal sovereignty. As a sovereign nation, the tribe has the right to govern itself and make decisions that benefit its members. This includes the ability to legalize and regulate marijuana, even in a state where the plant remains illegal.
Several politicians, including Representative Chuck Edwards, have voiced strong opposition to the legalization of marijuana on EBCI land. Edwards has even gone as far as to introduce legislation that would cut federal funding to tribes that legalize marijuana. While his efforts have not yet succeeded, the pushback highlights the ongoing tension between state and tribal authorities over marijuana legalization.
Despite these challenges, the EBCI remains committed to its marijuana program, seeing it as a way to boost the local economy and assert its sovereignty. The tribe’s actions have already inspired other Native American communities across the country, many of which are also exploring the possibility of legalizing marijuana on their lands.
Summary
The launch of recreational marijuana sales by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians marks a pivotal moment in North Carolina’s marijuana landscape. While marijuana remains illegal in the rest of the state, the tribe’s decision to legalize marijuana on its land showcases the power of tribal sovereignty and the potential economic benefits of a legal marijuana market.
As North Carolina continues to debate the legalization of medical marijuana, the EBCI’s success may serve as a model for what is possible. For now, residents of the state will have to wait for further developments on the medical front, but the tribe’s bold move has undeniably shifted the conversation around marijuana in the region.
In the meantime, for those seeking the benefits of marijuana for medical purposes, obtaining a medical marijuana card (when available) will likely be the best and safest option in North Carolina.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana
Although medical marijuana is still not legal in North Carolina, it may be legalized soon! You should be sure you are prepared for the program to become operational as soon as possible. In order to do this, you will need to get your medical marijuana card.
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our compassionate doctors just as soon as North Carolina’s medical marijuana market is fully operational.
You and your new doctor will meet virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. You’ll learn all about how medical marijuana may be able to help your conditions, without even leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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