North Carolina Tribe Legalizes Medical Cannabis

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have approved an ordinance to legalize the production and sale of medical cannabis. It is the first location in the state to allow medical cannabis as North Carolina has not yet passed the reforms.

Patients must be aged 21-or-older to access the program, but the Tribe has not yet indicated what medical conditions will allow patients to get program cards.

Richard Sneed, the principal chief of the EBCI, that the reform represents “a testament to the changing attitudes toward legal marijuana and a recognition of the growing body of evidence that supports cannabis as medicine, particularly for those with debilitating conditions like cancer and chronic pain.”

“I applaud the Council for their thoughtful consideration, exhaustive research and consultation with experts to develop a system that balances compassionate care for patients with preserving safety and security in our community. Passing this ordinance is just the first step, but we are excited to begin building this program. I know that I reflect the sentiments of many patients in expressing my pride and gratitude for the leadership demonstrated by our Council on this issue.” — Sneed in a press release

The tribe will next create a Cannabis Control Board which will promulgate regulations, license workers, and issue patient identification cards for the program. The board will also be tasked with licensing cultivators, processors, and laboratories.

The ordinance limits patients to 1 ounce of medical cannabis per day, not to exceed six ounces per month, and caps THC in medical cannabis products per day to 2,500 milligrams, not to exceed 10,000 milligrams per month.