North Carolina’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Votes to Advance Cannabis Reform

LOS ANGELES– In a significant move that could potentially reshape the cannabis landscape in North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has voted in favor of advancing cannabis reform within their territory. The decision, which came through a tribal vote on September 7, saw a 70% majority (2,464-1,056) favoring the reform, according to unofficial results released by the Tribe’s board of elections.

This development comes at a time when North Carolina remains one of the last nine states in the U.S. where medical cannabis is not legalized in any form. The EBCI’s decision could pave the way for individuals aged 21 and over to have access to adult-use cannabis, potentially setting a precedent in a state where efforts to legalize medical cannabis have faced significant hurdles.

The approved measure proposes to permit individuals, irrespective of their tribal affiliation, to purchase and possess cannabis within the EBCI’s approximately 57,000-acre territory known as the Qualla Boundary. Situated in the western part of North Carolina, this region is nestled just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a roughly two-hour drive from Knoxville, Tennessee.

However, the referendum’s certification necessitates at least 30% of registered voters to cast their ballots, akin to municipal elections in North Carolina. Despite this requirement, the tribal council members are mandated to draft and approve legislation to initiate a regulated market, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.

This vote comes on the heels of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., introducing the “Stop Pot Act,” a bill aimed at withholding 10% of federal highway funds from governments that permit non-medical cannabis use. Edwards, representing a district that encompasses the Qualla Boundary, seemed to have timed the introduction of this bill to coincide with the EBCI vote, even including provisions to apply the fund withholding to “any Indian tribe.”

The EBCI has already sanctioned the sale and use of medical cannabis on its land in 2021, overseeing the regulations through its Cannabis Control Board. The tribe has been issuing medical cannabis patient cards to North Carolina residents aged 21 and over, without necessitating a doctor’s recommendation. Currently, the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. dispensary, situated near the tribe’s established casino resort, stands as the sole legal retail outlet for cannabis in North Carolina.

According to reports from The Charlotte Observer, the dispensary, which has already cultivated cannabis worth $30 million, might commence adult-use sales as early as December. This move could potentially boost the state’s solitary cannabis market, with projections estimating revenues reaching up to $385 million in 2024.

Despite the reluctance among North Carolina House leaders to endorse cannabis legalization, the EBCI’s decisive vote seems to resonate with the broader electorate’s sentiment in the state. Recent polls have indicated substantial support for medical cannabis reform, with figures hovering around 72-73%.

As North Carolina grapples with the evolving dynamics of cannabis legalization, the EBCI’s recent vote marks a significant stride, potentially heralding a new chapter in the state’s approach to cannabis regulation and usage.