Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Open First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary in North Carolina

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made history on Saturday by opening North Carolina’s first and only adult-use cannabis dispensary, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company. Located in the Qualla Boundary, this dispensary is a landmark development for the region, as it now serves all adult customers aged 21 and older. The event drew a massive crowd, with hundreds lining up early to be among the first customers, according to The Charlotte Observer.

A Historic Vote and Legalization

The opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company follows a landmark vote by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in September 2023. Citizens of the tribe overwhelmingly supported the legalization of adult-use cannabis in a historic vote that led to the Tribal Council adopting regulations in June 2024, setting the stage for the dispensary’s launch. Before this, the dispensary only served members of the tribe who had a medical cannabis recommendation.

“The data has always said this was a strong opportunity, that people in this community, area, and state support this,” said Forrest Parker, General Manager of Qualla Enterprises, which manages the dispensary. Parker also noted that public opinion in North Carolina has steadily shifted toward cannabis legalization, with recent polls indicating up to 70% support for adult-use cannabis statewide.

The Only Legal Cannabis Shop in North Carolina

While the Qualla Boundary dispensary represents a significant step forward for cannabis legalization in the region, it remains the only legal cannabis shop in North Carolina. Outside of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ sovereign territory, cannabis remains prohibited under state law. Despite strong public support for legalization, North Carolina lawmakers have been slow to embrace even medical cannabis reforms.

In June 2024, the North Carolina Senate passed a comprehensive medical cannabis bill, signaling some movement in state-level cannabis policy. However, the state House of Representatives failed to advance the measure, leaving North Carolina as one of the few states without a medical marijuana program. As a result, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company operates in a unique position as the sole legal cannabis dispensary in the state.

A New Era for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company represents more than just a business venture for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It symbolizes the tribe’s commitment to economic development and sovereignty over its territory, offering a regulated and tested product to its community and visitors. The dispensary is located in a renovated bingo hall, repurposed to meet the needs of a modern cannabis retail operation.

For many in the Qualla Boundary and the surrounding areas, the dispensary’s opening is seen as a pivotal moment. Not only does it provide access to a product that many residents and visitors support, but it also puts the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at the forefront of North Carolina’s cannabis movement. The tribal government’s decision to move forward with adult-use cannabis comes despite the lack of progress at the state level, showcasing the tribe’s autonomy and forward-thinking approach.

The Future of Cannabis in North Carolina

The success of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company could have broader implications for the future of cannabis legalization in North Carolina. With growing public support and a successful model for regulated cannabis sales within the state, lawmakers may feel increasing pressure to revisit the issue. Forrest Parker, who manages the dispensary, believes that the dispensary’s success will send a strong message to state legislators.

“There’s never been a vote for cannabis as strong as it was in Cherokee with the nationally historic vote (in September 2023),” Parker said. He emphasized that the data shows strong support for cannabis legalization across the state, suggesting that the tribe’s decision could act as a catalyst for broader reforms in North Carolina.

For now, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company remains the state’s only legal source for cannabis, serving both tribal members and non-members who are 21 and older. As other states across the U.S. continue to embrace cannabis legalization, North Carolina’s journey remains in the early stages, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians leading the way.