Breaking Ground: North Carolina’s First Recreational Cannabis Dispensary Opens on Tribal Land

VOICE OVER:

History was made recently at Great Smoky Cannabis Company, where lines stretched down the block for North Carolina’s first regulated recreational cannabis sale. About 4,000 people came from across the state and beyond to be part of this milestone.

“Cannabis brings everyone together,” – Kaytie Johnson from Bryson City

Great Smoky is the first recreational dispensary on tribal land in a state where cannabis remains illegal. The store is located on the Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and offers legal cannabis to anyone—regardless of their state’s laws.

While cannabis is illegal federally, 24 states and 57 tribal dispensaries have legalized it, creating a growing market for safe, regulated cannabis.

Forrest Parker, the company’s executive director, voices his appreciation for the ongoing legalization process.

“It’s really amazing to be a part of that historical movement, and to be a part of a tribe that had the confidence… to take that step, you know, to be that leader, and to set the standard for health and safety.” – Forrest Parker, the company’s executive director.

Currently, North Carolina allows limited medical cannabis use but is debating broader legalization through the Compassionate Care Act. Advocates argue that cannabis could bring both economic benefits and safer access to the region.

I spoke with North Carolina Superior Court Judge, Richard Gottlieb, to see how he feels about the potential legalization of marijuana in North Carolina.

“I also see marijuana as a superior court judge very frequently associated with much more hardcore drugs. So I, I mean, I, I recognize that socially thoughts and moral thoughts on marijuana are kind of leaning towards and progressing towards liberalizing, but I remain concerned about what the long, what the long-term impact will be.” – Richard Gottlieb, Superior Court Judge

As North Carolina debates its cannabis future, Great Smoky Cannabis Company is already making an impact, both for the tribe and the state.

I’m Julia Thompson, reporting

Julia Thompson

TV/Radio

Julia Thompson is a senior from Charlotte, NC majoring in Journalism with a focus on Sports Broadcasting. Julia has experience in photography and videography, and really loves doing media work. This semester, Julia is an anchor for Carolina’s Sports Xtra, and is training to take over the Executive Producer role for the spring. She hopes to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, but would love to work anywhere in the wide world of media.