North Carolina’s First Recreational Marijuana Dispensary to Open in Cherokee
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is set to open its first recreational marijuana dispensary, the Great Smoky Cannabis Co., on September 7th. Located on the Qualla Boundary, the dispensary will be the first in North Carolina to sell recreational marijuana, despite the drug being illegal in the state.
The dispensary will be open to customers aged 21 and older, who will need to provide a government-issued photo ID to enter. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday to Sunday.
The Eastern Band had previously approved the sale of recreational marijuana through a series of referendums, and has established a vertically integrated cannabis industry, including a farm and regulatory system. The tribe has also launched a medical marijuana program, which is still active and offers discounts to North Carolina residents and medical patients.
The dispensary is expected to generate significant revenue for the tribe, with estimates suggesting that the approval of medical marijuana in the state could bring in around $180 million in annual revenue within the first year. By the fifth year, the market could expand to $650 million and generate $65 million in annual tax revenues.
However, the launch of the dispensary has not been without controversy. Some critics have raised concerns about the lack of regulation and testing of the cannabis products being sold, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on youth and the community.
The dispensary will be cash-only, and ATMs will be available on site. Drive-thru customers must be 21 or older, and cannabis cannot be consumed on dispensary property.
The opening of the dispensary marks a significant milestone for the Eastern Band and the cannabis industry in North Carolina. With the state’s cannabis industry expected to grow to over $50 billion in sales by 2028, the dispensary is poised to be a major player in the market.
