The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, located in North Carolina on the tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is nearing the end of its second day open to everyone 21 and older.
Since the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, located at 91 Bingo Loop Rd in Cherokee, opened its doors yesterday at 10 a.m. to everyone 21 and older, regardless of tribal membership, the store has welcomed over 1,000 patrons.
Despite concerns that police might arrest those who purchase marijuana and then leave tribal land, since marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina, not a single arrests has been reported involving store customers.
At the time of publication, the store has only been open to everyone 21 and older for 20 hours, suggesting that arrests could still occur. However, the lack of arrests during this period indicates that police may not be as focused on it as initially feared.
The store opened yesterday to some serious fanfare, with an estimated 300 people waiting in line. The first person in line was there at 1am, a full nine hours prior to the store’s opening.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, previously a bingo hall that underwent a $50 million transformation, initially opened on April 20, exclusively serving tribal members with medical marijuana cards. Recreational sales were introduced on July 4, but remained limited to the tribe. However, starting September 7, the store expanded access to all customers aged 21 and older, offering an extensive selection of cannabis products.
Outside of tribal land, in North Carolina the possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana is punishable by a misdemeanor but no jail time. Possessing 0.5 to 1.5 ounces is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days in jail, with the penalty increasing to three to eight months if possessing over 1.5 ounces.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians legalized medical marijuana in 2021. In November 2023, tribal members approved an ordinance urging the tribal council to legalize recreational marijuana, which they did the following year.
Today’s opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company for adult-use recreational marijuana is a significant milestone for our tribe, marking a new chapter of opportunity and growth”, said Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “This initiative is our right as a Tribal government to assert our Sovereignty. I want to take a moment to personally acknowledge and thank everyone who has poured their hard work, time, and passion into making this day possible.”
Michell ends by saying “Your dedication has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and I’m confident that this is just the beginning.”
