North Carolina
First medical marijuana dispensary in North Carolina opens
CHEROKEE, N.C. — The Great Smoky Cannabis Company in the Qualla Boundary has opened its doors to medical patients, becoming a day that marks state history. It is the only dispensary in the state where marijuana can be legally purchased.
In 2021, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Tribal Council voted to legalize medical marijuana within the Qualla Boundary. Marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina and federally; The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ laws on medical cannabis only apply on tribal land.
In order to purchase from the dispensary, individuals must be above 21 years of age, in addition to possessing an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) medical cannabis patient card or an approved medical marijuana card from a different state.
On the morning of 4/20, lines ran out of the dispensary doors as people from near and far gathered to experience the opening day.
Chris Suttle was one of the first people in line, traveling from Chapel Hill to attend the grand opening. He said he’s been waiting 32 years for this day.
“My phone was blowing up with people, just sending me messages going ‘I just got the phone call! My card is available for pickup!’” Suttle said. “I’ve seen so many familiar faces in line today, people that have talked with me for the last 5 or 6 years, waiting for this day to come. Waiting for the day that we don’t have to die in the dark anymore, and we can finally learn to grow and heal in the light.”
Seven years ago, Suttle was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was told he had about 9 to 12 months to live.
“I created my own micro dosing procedure, and I started micro dosing on a regular basis for three months,” Suttle said. “When I went back in to do the next MRI, the tumor had shrunk by 0.1 centimeters, and three months after that, I was given a clean bill of health.”
Suttle said it was that experience which led him to open up a North Carolina lobbyist organization for the legalization of cannabis and psychedelics.
“I decided that first appointment when they told me the tumor had shrunk, that if cannabis saved my life, that I would dedicate my life to it,” Suttle said.
Suttle said he helped multiple patients sign up for their medical cards — teaching them how to pull forms from their patient portals and what doctor notes and materials would be accepted.
“We get to come together and finally have access to the medicine that we deserve,” he said.
Suttle reflected on the broad impacts he anticipates the dispensary will have, believing it will help medical patients and elevate tourism in the Qualla Boundary.
“As long as they follow the rules and they don’t take products outside of the boundary, they have nothing to fear when they’re here,” he said. “They can enjoy the casino. They can enjoy the wonderful nature trails, the waterfalls.”
Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
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Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | First Quarter
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | Q1 8:19
After a faceoff win by Henry Metz, Brendan Millon finds Truitt Sunderland to give the Hoos a 3-0 lead. Timeout North Carolina.
Virginia 2, North Carolina 0 | Q1 9:00
Brendan Millon gets the scoring started for the Cavaliers with a question mark style goal. On the defensive end, Jake Marek opens the game with three early saves with his third save setting up a transition goal by Tommy Snyder.
Virginia vs North Carolina pregame notes
UVA owns a 59-33 advantage since the series began in 1938.
The 59 wins are UVA’s most against any opponent in program history (followed by 51 against Duke).
In Chapel Hill last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers 18-9, snapping UVA’s six-game series win streak.
UVA has won nine of the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2018.
The Hoos have won the last two meetings with Carolina at Klöckner Stadium, 11-4 in 2022 and 14-6 in 2024.
The Tar Heels’ four goals in 2022 marked the fewest goals in a game under Joe Breschi, who was named UNC’s head coach in 2006.
The last time the Tar Heels knocked off the Cavaliers at Klöckner was a 16-13 decision during the first of three games between the two teams in 2021.
Later that year, UVA claimed back-to-back meetings against the Heels, including in the NCAA semifinals on the way to capturing the 2021 national title over Maryland.
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HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Fire crews are responding to a brush fire near Howard Gap Road in Hendersonville on Friday evening.
The fire is across the street from the Ebenezer Baptist Church and near the Highlands Square Shopping Center.
Henderson County Fire Marshal Glen Gillette said crews are fighting “blowdown from Helene.”
NEW WILDFIRES IGNITE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FOREST AMID WORSENING DROUGHT
Around 11 p.m., the fire appears larger than it did an hour ago because crews are backburning, which refers to using fire to help control the wildfire.
Dana Fire Department Chief Jimmy Womack said that what was a 3-acre fire an hour ago will be an 8-acre fire due to back burning. He said the fire is 80% contained.
Womack said the cause of the fire is unknown, but one of the conditions contributing to the blaze is the Helene blowdown.
“There’s a lot of blowdown in these woods behind us. That’s what creates most of the problem,” said Womack.
Womack said there has been no property damage and no injuries have been reported for this fire in the woods that 24 personnel are fighting. They got the call to arrive at 6:05 p.m.
LOCAL NEWS
Dana Fire and Rescue and Henderson County Fire Department are supporting the U.S. Forest Service with this fire.
Glen said no structures are threatened at this time and Howard Gap Road is closed.
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This story will be updated as new information is discovered.
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