The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has made significant strides by expanding recreational marijuana sales on the Qualla Boundary, a sovereign tribal land in North Carolina. This move positions them as pioneers in the Southeast, where cannabis remains illegal outside of tribal lands. The EBCI’s venture is spearheaded by Qualla Enterprises, LLC, which manages the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, a seed-to-sale operation that controls every aspect of production, from cultivation to the retail dispensary.
The transition to recreational sales followed a referendum in 2023, where a significant majority of tribal members voted to permit the sale of marijuana to adults aged 21 and older. While initially limited to medical marijuana in 2021, the tribe opened its dispensary to recreational sales for all adults, including non-tribal members, in September 2024, marking a full year since the tribe voted to expand cannabis access.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with thousands flocking to the dispensary on opening weekend. This expansion is seen not only as an economic boon but also as a key moment in the broader cannabis legalization movement in North Carolina, where marijuana remains prohibited by state law. Despite this, the tribe’s sovereignty allows them to operate independently, though marijuana possession remains illegal once individuals leave tribal land.
The EBCI has also focused on responsible business practices, as seen through its Cannabis Control Board (CCB), which oversees regulatory measures such as licensing, patient cards for medical use, and ensuring compliance with tribal laws
by Vetti Media