ASHEVILLE – While remaining in federal limbo and not legalized on the state-level, marijuana is still coming to North Carolina — just in a different way.
After the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians approved the adult use of recreational marijuana in September 2023, the first legal cannabis dispensary in North Carolina is set to open on ECBI land within the next two months.
The opening date will be on 4/20, according to Qualla Enterprises Human Resources Director Lee Griffin.
“That’s the national cannabis holiday,” Griffin said during a Feb. 28 Tribal Council work session on the adult use ordinance that would allow the recreational purchase of marijuana.
“It’s the biggest revenue date annually. It’s like New Year’s Eve at the casino.”