Exclusive Cherokee-Owned Cannabis Business Set to Open to Public in September – Get Ready to Shop!

In a groundbreaking move on the western North Carolina tribal lands, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has announced that its marijuana retailer, Great Smoky Cannabis Co., will soon begin selling cannabis products to individuals aged 21 and over. This decision marks a significant shift in their business operations, expanding access to cannabis to a broader audience on the reservation.

Here are some key points to consider about this significant development:

• Great Smoky Cannabis Co. has set the start date for these expanded sales as September 7th, with sales expected to commence at 10 a.m. This announcement was made through their social media platforms, generating excitement and anticipation among prospective customers.
• Initially, the retailer began selling cannabis products on July 4th to tribal members or individuals from federally recognized tribes for recreational use. This exclusivity has now been expanded to include a wider demographic, paving the way for adult-use sales on the reservation.
• The decision to broaden access to cannabis products came after a referendum held by tribal members last September, endorsing adult recreational use on their reservation. Following this vote, the tribal council was tasked with developing legislation to regulate this market, leading to the recent approval of expanded sales.
• While marijuana possession and use remain illegal in North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has the authority to pass regulations related to cannabis as a sovereign nation. This move sets them apart from neighboring states, with only Virginia permitting legal recreational marijuana use statewide.
• Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary, had outlined a two-step process for transitioning to adult-use sales, starting with sales to tribal members exclusively. This gradual approach aims to ensure a smooth transition to broader market access.

As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians prepares to embark on this new chapter in cannabis sales, it marks a significant moment in their journey toward expanding access to recreational marijuana products. The decision to broaden sales to individuals aged 21 and over reflects a progressive approach to cannabis regulation on tribal lands, setting the stage for continued growth and opportunity in this evolving industry.