The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will open its marijuana megastore to everyone 21 and older on September 7.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, currently open exclusively to tribal members and medical marijuana patients, will open for recreational use to all those 21+ on September 7. The store is located near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, roughly three hours from Charlotte and 4.5 hours from Raleigh, in a former bingo hall that cost over $50 million to refurbish.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council voted in June 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.
“Explore the Ultimate Cannabis Destination: Our expansive 10,000 sq ft retail space invites you to discover an unparalleled selection of cannabis products in a setting that defines spaciousness and diversity”, the company says on their website. “Step into a world where variety meets quality.”
The company offers a “cutting-edge drive-thru service”, saying they’re “paving the way towards a 24/7 oasis, ensuring you’re catered to whenever the need arises.”
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.
