The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ (EBCI) marijuana megastore will open for recreational marijuana sales tomorrow, July 4.
Located in a former bingo hall that cost over $50 million to refurbish, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company — which has been open for medical marijuana sales since April — will begin recreational marijuana sales on July 4. Initially, these sales will be exclusive to tribal members. However, a spokesperson for the outlet tells us that sales will begin for everyone 21 and older, regardless of tribal membership, next month.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council voted last month to legalize recreational marijuana. The vote followed a September ordinance approved by tribal members, requesting the council to develop legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company is located near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, roughly three hours from Charlotte and 4.5 hours from Raleigh. Currently those with a qualifying medical condition who receive approval from the tribe can purchase marijuana and marijuana products from the outlet with no requirement for patrons to be tribal members.
While the tribe permits nontribal members to purchase and possess marijuana and marijuana products if they’re patients and will soon allow it for nonpatients, those caught with it outside of tribal land on North Carolina grounds still face a misdemeanor charge for possessing even a single gram and a felony charge for possessing over 1.5 ounces.
