ICYMI last week, Cherokee's Great Smoky Cannabis Co. announced via social media that recreational cannabis will soon be available for purchase by all adults 21+. As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) prepares to begin recreational sales to the public on Saturday, Sept. 7, we're here to answer your burning questions.

The timeline so far

The EBCI is a sovereign nation, meaning the Tribal Council can pass laws governing cannabis use on the Qualla Boundary. In 2021, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council approved an ordinance legalizing medical cannabis within the Qualla Boundary.

On April 20 of this year, the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. opened with 10,000 sqft of retail space and a drive-thru; it is NC's only dispensary where you can legally purchase cannabis with a medical card. Then in June of this year, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council passed a resolution allowing the sale of recreational cannabis, first offered to members of federally recognized tribes. Before a 2023 referendum, reports from Qualla Enterprises, which runs the business, showed that recreational sales could bring in $385 million in revenue in the first year.

What are the laws?

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 7, adults 21 and older can purchase recreational cannabis at the dispensary. Before that date, adults 21+ with a medical cannabis patient card or enrolled members of the EBCI and other federally recognized tribes with a Tribal membership card can purchase products.

Recreational cannabis can only be legally used on the Qualla Boundary. Outside Cherokee land, NC law, which states that it is unlawful to possess or use cannabis, still applies. Even with a medical card, it is illegal to transport cannabis off Cherokee land.