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Good News for North Carolina

CosmicGiggle

Well-known member
Moderator
Veteran
This is one backwards Southern state in terms of MJ legalization, but the sovereign state of Cherokee (a large Indian reservation within the state of NC) has jump-started the process, ultimate goal, medical marijuana statewide.

They already have a large casino on the reservation and I can easily see them setting up a large grow op to be ready at the forefront when the right time is at hand.

:good: Smart move in the right direction! :tiphat:

New Cherokee ordinance decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana possession | WLOS
CHEROKEE, N.C. (WLOS) — Cherokee leaders make a change to their marijuana law. It still must be ratified, but it would remove the penalty for possession of small amounts.

The vote by Tribal Council means if you're at least 21 years of age and in possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, it will no longer be considered a Tribal crime.

Anything over 1 ounce will be subject to penalty, along with penalties for selling and distribution.

"It's just good to see us open up a can of opportunity instead of kicking the can down the road," says Jeremy Wilson, the Governmental Affairs Liaison to the Cherokee Principal Chief.

He says the 11-1 council vote moves Cherokee forward with laws governing cannabis.

"What was passed yesterday in the ordinance is subject to those who just consume cannabis for their medicinal and personal purposes," Wilson said.

"Tribal council hasn't passed any kind of resolution giving us direction for something farther in terms of a recreational or an adult-use program," said Joey Owle, Cherokee Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Wilson and Owle have another step in mind, though.

"The mission is to have a medicinal marijuana industry that's going to be opening up to our enrolled members as well as the public," Wilson said.

"With some focus from the attorneys we work with in the AG's (Attorney General's) office that we can look to submit a marijuana ... a medical cannabis package later this year," Owle said.

Both say getting to that point first requires de-criminalizing possession of small amounts, and both say marijuana helps people with chronic pain and cancer patients.

"You have people who are trying to overcome addiction. They utilize this to try to reverse that effect," Wilson said. "People would rather utilize that instead of opioid prescription medications. It is proven to be more beneficial than man-made products."

Wilson says achieving a future medical marijuana industry in Cherokee would open a whole new revenue stream and create jobs.

Cherokee has sovereign nation status, and Owle says the Tribe is out front on this issue, with the state of North Carolina watching.

"I think they will try to assess what goes on here for their own future program, for statewide," Owle said.

Both Wilson and Owle expect Principal Chief Richard Sneed to sign off on the ordinance within the next couple of weeks.
 

flylowgethigh

Non-growing Lurker
ICMag Donor
Is that through the whole Cherokee nation, or just in NC? Why would they have state boundaries?
 

Im'One

Active member
The cherokee in Oklahoma have a different chief and council from north Carolina...the big news is that tribal members can't be arrested on any former tribal land! See the ruling by the supreme court last year in the muskogee creek nation case!
I know the Kiowa took this step last year
 

CosmicGiggle

Well-known member
Moderator
Veteran
.................."What was passed yesterday in the ordinance is subject to those who just consume cannabis for their medicinal and personal purposes," Wilson said.
..........
Wilson and Owle have another step in mind, though.
"The mission is to have a medicinal marijuana industry that's going to be opening up to our enrolled members as well as the public," Wilson said.

Well, it looks like things are moving along in the right direction here and there's also hope for MMJ at the state level AND it has bi-partisan support! ;)

It's nice to see North Carolina slowly emerge from the Dark Ages. :yay:

Medical marijuana legalized on Cherokee Western NC lands | Charlotte Observer
Medical marijuana is now legal on Cherokee land in Western NC. It’s a first in the state

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has approved growing, selling and using medical marijuana on its lands in Western North Carolina, tribal leaders said Thursday, making their territory the first place in North Carolina where medical cannabis is legal.

The tribal council’s approval of a medical marijuana ordinance testifies to “the changing attitudes toward legal marijuana and a recognition of the growing body of evidence that supports cannabis as medicine,” Principal Chief Richard Sneed said in a statement.

Medical marijuana is particularly vital “for those with debilitating conditions like cancer and chronic pain,” he said.

Medical use of cannabis products is legal in 36 states and four U.S. territories, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Eighteen states, two territories and the District of Columbia legally allow small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use, according to the conference.

During his 13 years in the state legislature, Rep. Kelly Alexander of Charlotte has introduced many bills to legalize marijuana, including one this year that also stands little or no chance of becoming law, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

He’s more optimistic about Senate Bill 711, which would legalize medical marijuana in the state. In July, the Senate Finance Committee approved the bill, which has bipartisan support. The bill was still in committee as of Wednesday.

CHEROKEE MEDICAL CANNABIS PLANS

The Cherokee maintain a sovereign nation in Western North Carolina, about an hour west of Asheville, known as the Qualla Boundary. Though the tribe “has relationships with” the state and federal governments, according to its website, the tribe “is a sovereign nation, meaning it has its own laws, elections, government, institutions, and the like.”

“Passing this ordinance is just the first step, but we are excited to begin building this program,” Sneed said. “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.”

The timeline for the tribe’s medical cannabis program — when cultivation will begin, and when marijuana will become available for purchase — was not immediately clear.

A tribal spokeswoman didn’t reply to an email by The Charlotte Observer asking whether non-tribal members would also have access to the tribe’s planned medical marijuana dispensary and program.

CANNABIS CONTROL BOARD

The tribe’s EBCI Cannabis Control Board, comprised of five individuals with expertise in healthcare, law enforcement, the cannabis industry and business, will control licensing for the cultivation, processing and sale of marijuana, according to a tribal news release.

The board will also issue the cards that allow people to purchase marijuana at the dispensary. Medically qualified patients over 21 years old will be able to apply, though the news release does not give more specific information on what kinds of illnesses would allow a person to qualify.

People will be limited to buying one ounce of marijuana per day, not to exceed six ounces per month, or 2,500 milligrams of THC in medical cannabis products per day, not to exceed 10,000 milligrams per month. THC is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana.
 

armedoldhippy

Well-known member
Veteran
i wonder if non-tribal folks are protected from arrest while on the reservation for possession by this change ? if true, talk about a tourism plus. cannatourism is big out west...i've been thinking about getting my NC fishing license/trout stamp...
 

CosmicGiggle

Well-known member
Moderator
Veteran
It's an easy drive for me and as far as I know legally, everyone inside the reservation are under their jurisdiction.
 

armedoldhippy

Well-known member
Veteran
It's an easy drive for me and as far as I know legally, everyone inside the reservation are under their jurisdiction.

my brother used to tell me stories about trout fishing on the reservation. i could see sitting on a rock trailing my feet in the water, watching the trout rise, and smoking a big ol' bowl...sounds rough, lol...
 
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