The Great Smoky Cannabis Company in Cherokee, North Carolina is marking a major milestone this week: 250 days of continuous operation since opening its doors to everyone 21 and older on September 7, 2024.
Operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the superstore is the only legal marijuana outlet in the state—and it’s not just the only one, it’s the largest in the country. Housed in a former bingo hall that underwent a $50 million renovation, the store spans thousands of square feet and serves tens of thousands of customers each week, with tens of millions of dollars in marijuana sold since its launch.
The success is remarkable not just for its scale, but for taking place in a state where marijuana remains illegal for all uses outside tribal land. Thanks to the EBCI’s sovereign status, the tribe can regulate cannabis on its territory without interference from North Carolina state law. And despite early concerns from critics and law enforcement, there have been zero arrests reported for possession of marijuana legally purchased at the store—underscoring a smooth and controversy-free operation.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company has continued to expand its services since opening. As of March, it began operating seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing more flexibility for both locals and out-of-state visitors. Products include flower, concentrates, and edibles, all cultivated by the tribe’s own licensed operation.
Community support has been a key part of the store’s success. In March, the tribe’s cannabis company partnered with the Cherokee Indian Police Department to fund a specially trained K-9 that detects hard drugs but is trained to ignore cannabis. This approach reflects the evolving relationship between law enforcement and marijuana policy, with tribal authorities actively working to maintain safety without disrupting legal cannabis access.
The 250-day mark represents the EBCI’s long-term investment in the marijuana industry. After legalizing medical marijuana for tribal members in 2021 and then voting to legalize recreational marijuana for all adults in 2023, the full-scale opening to the general public has drawn widespread attention—including from U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who has since expressed support for federal marijuana reform despite longtime opposition.
As the state’s only legal marijuana retailer continues to thrive, its 250-day streak stands as a powerful symbol of what’s possible when sovereignty, business innovation, and responsible regulation come together.
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