North Carolina’s first-ever marijuana dispensary will open April 20 on the tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
In September members of the EBCI voted overwhelmingly in favor of a measure to legalize recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older, regardless of whether or not they’re a tribal member. Specifically, the referendum asked voters: “Do you support legalizing the possession and use of cannabis for persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years old, and require the EBCI Tribal Council to develop legislation to regulate the market?” The measure passed with 70% support.
Now, the EBCI will soon open their marijuana superstore – a former bingo hall that cost tens of millions of dollars to refurbish – on April 20, the unofficial marijuana holiday.
Lee Griffin, human resources director for the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary Qualla Enterprises LLC, told the tribal council yesterday that the shop would open Saturday, April 20.
“Across the country, it’s the biggest revenue date for cannabis,” said Griffin said. “It’s like New Year’s Eve at the casino.”
The dispensary is located on U.S. 19 near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Griffin says they are in the process of filling the over 350 positions needed to open the dispensary. This shouldn’t be an issue, as over 1,400 people have applied.
The tribe’s reservation consists of nearly 57,000 acres covering five counties; Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties.
