Ten days after it opens its doors to everyone 21 and older, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company in Cherokee, North Carolina, continues to see thriving sales without a single reported arrest of patrons or employees.
Located on the tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the store has welcomed thousands of visitors since opening its doors to the public on September 7, offering a wide range of marijuana products to anyone 21 and older, regardless of tribal membership or medical status.
Initial concerns that law enforcement might target customers leaving tribal land with marijuana—since it remains illegal outside of the reservation in North Carolina—have proven unfounded. Despite fears of potential legal complications, local law enforcement has not intervened, and no arrests have been made in connection with purchases from the store. This lack of enforcement has helped contribute to the store’s success and high attendance in the days following its opening.
The store, which previously served only tribal members with medical marijuana cards, underwent a $50 million renovation of a former bingo hall before expanding sales to recreational marijuana on July 4. The opening to the general public on September 7 attracted thousands of eager customers, with long lines stretching for hours on opening day. Since then, the steady flow of customers shows the growing demand for legal marijuana, even as state laws continue to prohibit its use outside of tribal land.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company currently offers over 300 marijuana products, including flower, prerolls, topicals, tinctures, concentrates, and a variety of edibles. The store has plans to expand its offerings to over 500 products by January, indicating its confidence in sustained growth.
With a positive reception, high sales, and no legal issues, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company is making history as the first marijuana retailer of its kind in North Carolina.
