The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, the first legal marijuana store in North Carolina history, opened just a few hours ago to a line of hundreds.
The line outside the Great Smoky Cannabis Company just prior to its opening (photo credit: Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez).
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, located in Cherokee (91 Bingo Loop Rd) on the tribal land of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (three hours from Charlotte and 4.5 hours from Raleigh), opened this morning at 10am. The outlet is open to anyone who’s at least 21 years old with no requirement to be a tribal member, or a medical marijuana patient.
Prior to its opening, an estimated 300 people waited in line. The first person lined up at 1am.
“This is amazing to see so many people here,” said James Bradley, Production Manager for Qualla Enterprises (the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary), while handing out free rolling papers to everyone in line. The first 100 people in line also received free t-shirts.
The marijuana superstore, formerly a bingo hall that underwent a $50 million renovation, first opened on April 20, catering exclusively to medical marijuana patients who were members of the tribe. On July 4, recreational sales were added, though still limited to tribal members. Beginning September 7, the store will open its doors to anyone 21 and older, offering a wide variety of marijuana products.
Customers have purchased a wide variety of marijuana products, including dried flower, prerolls, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and more. You can find their full menu by clicking here.
