CHEROKEE, N.C. — The recreational sale and use of marijuana for adults on western North Carolina tribal land could begin this summer after the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians governing board voted for an ordinance expanding approved use just weeks after its medical marijuana dispensary opened., approved by 70% of voters, also required the council to develop legislation to regulate such a market. Tribal leaders spent months crafting the adult-use ordinance approved Thursday by an 8-2 vote.
Forrest Parker with Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary, said adult-use sales will initially be limited to tribal members, likely starting in July. The expansion to others age 21 and older would happen beginning in early to mid-August, Parker said at a recent council work session on the legislation.
“It’s an extremely historic and exciting time for the tribe and our people on many, many levels,” Parker said after the vote.