In a historic milestone for North Carolina, the state’s first-ever recreational marijuana store is set to open in just three weeks, welcoming all adults aged 21 and older.
Operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the marijuana “megastore” is located on tribal lands in the town of Cherokee. The outlet, named the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, first opened on April 20 exclusively for medical marijuana patients, with the grand opening for recreational marijuana sales scheduled for Saturday, September 7. The store is allowed to operate despite marijuana being illegal for all uses in North Carolina because it’s situated on sovereign tribal land.
The store, which is one of the largest marijuana stores in the nation (located at the home of a former bingo hall that cost over $50 million to refurbish), will offer a wide array of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates.
Jeremy Wilson, the governmental affairs liaison for the tribe, expressed the tribe’s enthusiasm for the opening, emphasizing the economic and cultural significance of the store. “This is a monumental step forward for our community and the state,” Wilson said. “We’re excited to provide safe, regulated access to cannabis for those 21 and older.”
As North Carolina continues to debate the legalization of recreational marijuana, the opening of this store could serve as a catalyst for further discussions on cannabis policy in the state. Just last month, US Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a longtime opponent of legalizing marijuana, announced his support for legalizing the plant in a manner similar to tobacco.
According to a Meredith College poll released earlier this year, a large majority of North Carolinians (78%) support the passage of a bill to legalize medical marijuana, with only 18% opposed.
