Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana Sales and Possession on Tribal Lands

September vote scheduled to determine whether marijuana possession and sales should be legalized for adults aged 21 and older on tribal lands.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is set to hold a vote in September to decide whether marijuana possession and sales should be legalized on tribal lands for individuals aged 21 and older. Earlier this year, the tribe decriminalized small-scale marijuana possession within their 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary.

While efforts to legalize medical marijuana statewide in North Carolina have faced obstacles in the state House, the idea has gained approval twice in the state Senate since June 2022.

The upcoming vote will determine whether marijuana possession and sales will be allowed for both recreational use and medical purposes. If approved, this would expand upon the tribe’s existing structure that includes a tribe-created business for growing cannabis and a large dispensary currently under construction.

The original plan involved issuing medical cards to eligible adults for purchasing from the dispensary. However, if the expansion of sales is approved in the referendum, it remains uncertain whether such cards will still be required.

With this upcoming decision, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians seeks to meet the demand for adult use legalization while also considering their ability to handle potential challenges that may arise with increased customers and revenue.