North Carolina's First Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Opens on Cherokee Land

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians welcomes all adults to purchase cannabis products, despite state-wide prohibition.

Hundreds gathered early to be among the first customers at the Great Smoky Cannabis Company.
The dispensary initially served only tribe members and medical patients before expanding to all adults.
Tribal members voted in favor of recreational cannabis in a 2023 referendum.
The new dispensary is expected to boost revenue for the 14,000-member tribe.
Opposition existed, including a failed federal bill aiming to cut highway funding for tribes legalizing marijuana.