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.”