Five days into its grand opening, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, located on the tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, has attracted over 10,000 visitors without a single reported arrest involving patrons or employees.
The store, which opened its doors to the general public on September 7, offers marijuana to anyone 21 and older, regardless of tribal membership, marking a significant moment in the state’s cannabis landscape.
Concerns had initially arisen that police might target customers leaving tribal land with marijuana, as it remains illegal in North Carolina. However, there have been no arrests linked to those purchasing marijuana at the store. Despite initial fears of potential legal complications, law enforcement has not intervened in the activities of patrons or employees.
The store, located at 91 Bingo Loop Rd in Cherokee, drew more than 2,000 people on its opening day, with some waiting in line for nine hours before the 10 a.m. opening. Initially, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company operated exclusively for tribal members with medical marijuana cards after a $50 million renovation of a former bingo hall. Recreational sales to the tribe began on July 4, and starting on September 7, access was expanded to the broader public.
While marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina outside of tribal lands, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians legalized medical marijuana in 2021 and approved recreational marijuana for their lands in 2023 following a vote by tribal members.
During their opening, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company had on offer over 300 different marijuana products, including dried flower, prerolls, topicals, tinctures, concentrates and a variety of edibles such as cookies, brownies and gummies. The store says they plan to increase their offering to over 500 products by January.
