This Saturday, North Carolina will become the 39th state with access to medical marijuana as the Eastern Band of Cherokee opens the first marijuana dispensary in the state. The Great Smoky Cannabis Company will host a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a grand opening at 10 a.m.
A spokesperson for ECBI said preparations for the opening have involved a variety of stakeholders.
“We have taken numerous measures by collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, legal advisors, and community stakeholders to ensure that our dispensary operates in alignment with the highest standards of practice and regulatory compliance within the Qualla Boundary. Most importantly, we are exercising our rights as a sovereign nation as we continue to maintain a model of safety and responsibility,” Public Relations Officer Sheyahshe Littledave said in statement from the Principal Chief’s Office.
Sales are limited to those 21 years old or older who hold a medical cannabis patient card issued by the EBCI Cannabis Control Board.
Neil Denman, executive director of the Cannabis Control Board, said the number of applications has increased as the dispensary opening date approaches.
In March, Denman said about a total of 1,200 cards had been issued. Now, he says, there have been 3,000 applications submitted to the board.
“We
