On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Cherokee Nation achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its first adult-use cannabis sales at the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. Located within the Qualla Boundary, the 57,000-acre tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), this event marked the beginning of legal marijuana sales to all adults aged 21 and older. While the store had already been selling cannabis to members of EBCI and other federally recognized tribes since July, this marked the first time that any adult could legally purchase marijuana in North Carolina.
A Year in the Making
The launch followed the approval of a referendum passed exactly one year ago, where tribal members voted overwhelmingly in favor of adult-use marijuana legalization. Despite procedural delays and opposition from Republican lawmakers in North Carolina, EBCI’s decision to move forward with the sales underlined the tribe’s assertion of its sovereignty. As of now, marijuana remains illegal in the rest of North Carolina, making the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. the sole legal marijuana retailer in a region spanning hundreds of miles.
A Milestone for Tribal Sovereignty
The passage of the marijuana legalization referendum in 2023 reflected the growing support within the EBCI for both the economic and cultural benefits of cannabis. The tribe’s decision to legalize adult-use marijuana on their land is seen as an assertion of tribal sovereignty. Rob Pero, founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), noted that the move has “sent shockwaves through Indian Country,” underscoring the significance of tribes exercising their sovereignty in the face of state opposition.
Economic and Cultural Impact
While some Republican lawmakers, such as Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, have publicly opposed the tribe’s decision and even threatened to withhold federal funding, the potential economic benefits for EBCI are substantial. General Manager Forrest Parker shared that projections estimate the tribe could generate up to $385 million in revenue from adult-use sales in its first year alone, with the possibility of surpassing $800 million by year five. For the tribe, these sales represent more than just revenue—they reflect a connection to the land and the plant, with Indigenous peoples historically valuing the medicinal properties of cannabis.
A Unique Player in the Southeast Cannabis Market
With none of North Carolina’s neighboring states—Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, or Virginia—legalizing adult-use marijuana, the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. stands as a unique player in the Southeast. As demand continues to grow, the dispensary is positioned to serve a wide geographical area. However, products purchased at the dispensary cannot legally be transported off tribal land, nor can they be consumed on store property. Despite these restrictions, the dispensary saw a massive turnout on opening day, with long lines of customers eager to be part of history.
Resistance and Legal Challenges
The tribe’s journey toward cannabis legalization has been met with significant resistance from some state and federal politicians. Representative Chuck Edwards, a vocal opponent of marijuana legalization, has made efforts to curtail the tribe’s progress by introducing the Stop Pot Act, which seeks to defund governments that legalize cannabis. Although the bill has stalled in Congress, the threat of reduced federal funding continues to loom over the tribe. District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch has also expressed concerns, stating that while she respects EBCI’s sovereignty, she remains committed to enforcing state marijuana laws.
Overcoming Delays and Challenges
EBCI’s journey toward legal cannabis sales has not been without its share of logistical challenges. The tribe faced obstacles in cannabis transportation, lab testing, and banking, including resistance from Swain County officials regarding the transport of medical marijuana along a short stretch of state-owned road. Despite these challenges, the tribe persevered, becoming a leader in the Southeast’s burgeoning cannabis market.
Looking Forward: A New Era for EBCI
The opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. represents a new era for EBCI, one that holds the promise of significant economic gains while reinforcing the tribe’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination. As tribes across the United States increasingly enter the cannabis industry, EBCI’s success is likely to serve as a model for others.
In addition to the economic potential, the cultural impact of this venture cannot be overstated. From intergenerational connections within the community to the symbolic importance of asserting sovereignty through economic initiatives, EBCI is leading the way in redefining what it means to be a modern tribal nation.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Co.’s grand opening celebrations will continue throughout the weekend, with special guest appearances by viral TikTok star Doggface and DJ X, bringing even more excitement to this historic occasion.
