Cherokee Indians in North Carolina to Vote on Marijuana Legalization

In a groundbreaking move, recreational marijuana could soon become accessible to North Carolina residents. This transformative possibility is set to unfold through a ballot referendum led by the Eastern (EML ) Band of Cherokee Indians in September. The tribe’s tribal council has given the green light for a ballot question, slated for the September 7 election, enabling members to cast their votes on the legalization of marijuana possession and sales within the Qualla Boundary, located approximately 45 miles west of Asheville.

One of the champions of Senate Bill 3 is Brunswick County Republican Senator Bill Rabon. He shared a poignant testimony about how his use of medical marijuana played a pivotal role in overcoming colon cancer two decades ago. In June, Senator Rabon tied SB3’s fate to House Bill 75, a separate piece of legislation seeking to allow certain physician assistants to practice without a supervising physician. This connection has added an additional layer of complexity to the legislative process.

Expanding Horizons

If approved, this initiative would eventually open up marijuana sales to anyone over the age of 21, building upon the foundation of a tribal medical marijuana program that commenced serving North Carolina residents in June. The program has already begun to pave the way for future possibilities, and recreational marijuana sales could be the next significant leap forward.

Trials and Triumphs for Cherokee Indians

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has faced its share of challenges along the path to progress. Funding issues have resulted in delays in constructing what tribal leaders hope will become the world’s largest medical marijuana retail outlet, conveniently situated near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Despite these hurdles, Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s marijuana business, has managed to make remarkable strides, with reports indicating that they’ve successfully cultivated cannabis worth an impressive $25 million.

Empowering an Indigenous Community

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribe, boasts a membership of approximately 14,000 individuals, among whom nearly 9,600 reside within the Qualla Boundary. The tribe has a history of trailblazing; in 2021, it took a significant step by decriminalizing marijuana possession. As pioneers in the cannabis domain, their medical marijuana program stands as the first of its kind, supplying cannabis within the confines of the Old North State.

Approval of the tribal ballot referendum could potentially solidify the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ position as the predominant authority on marijuana sales within North Carolina. This has caught the attention of legislators, as North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, recently hinted that the chances of launching a state medical program this year are slim in the lower chamber.

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles, Senate Bill 3 remains pending in the House Committee on Health, while House Bill 75 awaits its turn in the House rules committee. The provisions of SB3 could open doors for patients over 21 with specific debilitating conditions to gain state approval for purchasing medical marijuana from up to 10 licensed growers, each operating up to eight sales centers. According to the most recent fiscal analysis, a 10 percent gross revenue fee on sales could generate a substantial $50.4 million for the state by 2028-29.