The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will hold a pivotal vote this September to decide the future of recreational marijuana on their tribal lands. Tribal members aged 21 and older will have the opportunity to determine whether to legalize both possession and sales.

This vote follows the tribe's 2021 decision to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana within their 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary. Furthermore, they established a medical marijuana program, including a tribally-owned cannabis cultivation and dispensary business. This dispensary, currently under construction, is poised to become the sole legal marijuana retailer in North Carolina.

Initially, the dispensary was intended to serve medical card holders. However, if the referendum passes, it's uncertain whether these cards will still be required. Tribal leaders have indicated that a successful vote would likely pave the way for recreational sales.

While the dispensary was slated for a fall opening, its timeline became uncertain after Principal Chief Richard Sneed vetoed additional funding earlier this year. The dispensary, located in the former bingo hall near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, will initially cater exclusively to tribal members, with plans to expand access to other residents later. Similarly, medical marijuana cards will initially be issued to tribal members, though applications from all North Carolina residents are currently being accepted.

Qualla Enterprises LLC, the tribally-formed entity responsible for the cannabis business, believes that expanding to recreational sales would significantly increase customer traffic and revenue. However, some council members have voiced concerns about the tribe's financial capacity to manage the anticipated influx of buyers, particularly given existing funding challenges for the medical program.

The referendum also stipulates that the council must draft legislation to regulate the broader market should the vote pass. This decision comes as statewide efforts to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina have stalled in the House, despite Senate approval on two occasions.

This vote represents a significant step for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with potential implications for both the tribe and the state's broader cannabis landscape.