The Eastern Band of Cherokee will start selling recreational marijuana to anyone 21 and over on September 7, leaders announced Thursday.
鈥淎re you ready to be part of history,鈥� asks the Great Smoky Cannabis social media post, which says sales that day will start at 10 a.m.
Drumroll, please...
— Great Smoky Cannabis Company (@greatsmokycanna)
Are you ready to ?
鈴� September 7th at 10 AM! 鈴�
Visit and follow us
馃摳 greatsmokycannabis on Insta!
No additional details have been posted on the dispensary鈥檚 website.
The dispensary started selling recreational marijuana to members of federally recognized tribes on after the Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal Council approved updates to the Cherokee Codes to allow marijuana sale in .
Last year more than two-thirds of tribal members voted to expand to recreational use and sale. That built on a 2021 voter referendum approving the sale of medical marijuana.
The Great Smoky Dispensary opened its doors for medical marijuana sales in as the first marijuana dispensary in North Carolina.
It is unlawful for anyone under 21 years old to possess marijuana or to sell, give or transfer marijuana to those who are underage, on the Qualla Boundary. Outside the Cherokee nation, marijuana possession remains illegal in North Carolina.
During this year鈥檚 opening of the dispensary, Qualla Enterprises鈥� Forrest Parker said he is looking forward to what this means for the future of the young people on the Boundary.
鈥淭his project has changed the trajectory of their lives forever. It will be a conduit to social, economic, medicinal and spiritual growth unlike anything in this region. For me, that鈥檚 a driving force for this company and, as long as I鈥檓 involved, I guarantee it will continue to put people first,鈥� Parker said.
In June, Parker estimated that recreational marijuana sales for the general public would happen between 60-75 days after the ordinance was ratified by Tribal Council.
Since federally recognized tribal members were able to purchase recreational marijuana starting in July this September start date is on target with Parker鈥檚 original plans.
The dispensary is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Online orders can be placed throughout the week.
