The Great Smoky Cannabis Company in Cherokee, North Carolina, will celebrate four months of serving customers 21 and older on Tuesday, January 7.
(Photo credit: Angela Wilhelm/Citizen Times).
As the state’s only legal marijuana retailer, the store has drawn tens of thousands of visitors since opening its doors to nontribal members on September 7. Located on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal land, the superstore has become a landmark for marijuana consumers and enthusiasts.
Housed in a renovated bingo hall with a $50 million makeover, it offers a massive selection of products, including flower, prerolls, concentrates, topicals, and a variety of edibles. Customer reviews remain overwhelmingly positive, with their Google ratings standing strong at 4.5 out of 5 out of over 1,000 reviews, and their WeedMap rating standing at 4.7 out of 5.
Despite concerns raised before its opening about potential police enforcement near tribal land, no arrests connected to purchases at the store have been reported. This has solidified the Great Smoky Cannabis Company’s reputation as a welcoming and hassle-free destination for marijuana consumers, despite marijuana remaining illegal in all other parts of North Carolina.
While other North Carolina tribes have opted against following in its footsteps, this superstore continues to stand out as a pioneering effort in the state. With its fourth month on the horizon, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company remains a significant draw for residents and visitors alike.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally recognized Native American tribe based in Western North Carolina. The tribe’s ancestral land spans over 56,000 acres, primarily located in the Qualla Boundary, a sovereign territory nestled in the scenic Smoky Mountains. Home to approximately 16,000 enrolled members, the EBCI operates as a self-governing nation with its own laws, government, and services.
