In an unprecedented move that marks a significant milestone in the journey toward broader marijuana acceptance, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in North Carolina has announced the opening date of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company.
This landmark event introduces North Carolina's inaugural dispensary on tribal land, paving the way for medical marijuana accessibility in a state yet to legalize it statewide. Here's an in-depth look at the opening and the qualifications necessary for purchasing from this pioneering establishment.
A Historic Opening
Scheduled to open its doors on April 20, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company stands as a beacon of progress and a testament to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' commitment to providing medicinal Marijuana.
Situated on the Qualla Boundary, encompassing 57,000 acres, this dispensary is poised to offer a range of high-quality marijuana products, including flower, vape products, edibles, and topicals. This venture is not just about commerce; it's an embodiment of quality, compassion, and education aimed at delivering regulated access to medicinal marijuana products.
Purchasing Qualifications
Access to the Great Smoky Cannabis Company is strictly regulated to ensure safety and compliance. Here are the key qualifications for prospective purchasers:
Medical Marijuana Cardholders: Only individuals holding a medical marijuana card issued directly by the EBCI Cannabis Control Board and aged over 21 will be permitted to make purchases. This ensures that access is reserved for those with legitimate medical needs.
Out-of-State and Tribal Reciprocity: In a move that broadens access, the dispensary will extend reciprocity to out-of-state medical cardholders and holders of other tribal medical marijuana cards. This inclusive approach acknowledges the varied legal landscapes across states and tribal lands.
Registration and Approval: The medical marijuana card registration process began in June 2023, with the first cards being issued in October 2023. Out of 1,005 applications received, 817 have been approved, demonstrating a rigorous and thoughtful vetting process.
The Venue's Transformation
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company has transformed a former bingo hall into a modern dispensary, near the bustling Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. This strategic location is poised to attract both EBCI tribe members and visitors, offering a curated product lineup that will expand over time.
Early projections are optimistic, with estimates suggesting up to $206 million in gross sales revenue in the first year from medical marijuana cardholders alone. This figure could rise significantly should adult-use consumers also gain access in the future. The dispensary has also sparked employment opportunities, with 1,400 applicants for marijuana-related jobs highlighting the community's interest and support for this initiative.
Looking Ahead
The dispensary's initial phase focuses on serving medical marijuana cardholders. However, there are plans to eventually welcome adult-use consumers, pending future legislative changes. This phased approach ensures a controlled rollout, prioritizing medical needs while laying the groundwork for broader accessibility.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company's opening is more than a commercial venture; it's a celebration of the Cherokee's connection to the land and their heritage of using marijuana as medicine. This initiative honors the past while embracing the future, positioning the EBCI tribe as a leader in the marijuana industry in North Carolina.
A Testament to Change
The EBCI's decision to legalize medical marijuana cultivation, sales, and consumption in August 2021 was a bold move reflecting changing attitudes toward marijuana as medicine. This initiative underscores the tribe's commitment to providing alternative treatment options for conditions like cancer and chronic pain, highlighting the potential of marijuana to improve quality of life.
The opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company represents a significant milestone for North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. By providing regulated access to medical marijuana, the dispensary is not just offering alternative treatment options but is also setting a precedent for marijuana legalization and regulation on tribal lands. As the state of North Carolina watches this historic opening, it serves as a beacon for potential legislative change and broader acceptance of marijuana as a medicinal and therapeutic substance.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana
Although medical marijuana is still not legal in North Carolina, it may legalized soon! You should be sure you are prepared for the program to become operational as soon as possible. In order to do this, you will need to get your medical marijuana card.
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our compassionate doctors just as soon as North Carolina’s medical marijuana market is fully operational.
You and your new doctor will meet virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. You’ll learn all about how medical marijuana may be able to help your conditions, without even leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!