Cherokee Marijuana Dispensary Faces Numerous Allegations in North Carolina

After its grand opening in 2024, the Cherokee marijuana dispensary has not generated much controversy in North Carolina. It seems to be selling marijuana to various people without incident, although the legality of the entire enterprise is somewhat vague. However, the dispensary might not be able to dodge legal issues for much longer. A prominent lawmaker has urged the Attorney General to investigate alleged wrongdoing associated with the dispensary. Could this affect you? Can a marijuana defense attorney in North Carolina help you?

Could the Cherokee Dispensary Face Legal Threats?

The marijuana dispensary in North Carolina could face legal threats in the future. These revelations came after an oversight hearing on the Department of Justice on October 7th. During this hearing, a North Carolina senator claimed that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was marketing marijuana to children and moving drugs across state lines. The senator urged the Attorney General to investigate the situation. 

For those who do not know, the Cherokee marijuana dispensary is allowed to operate in North Carolina because the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians essentially set their own rules about what happens on their land. This extends to marijuana legalization, which the group has mutually agreed to allow and sell on their land. In many ways, Indian land is like a separate nation. 

The senator pointed to a colorful, Halloween-style advertisement as proof that this dispensary was marketing to small children. The senator also highlighted the fact that marijuana cannot reach the dispensary without crossing through North Carolina and breaking federal laws. The question is simple: How is the marijuana getting to the dispensary? It would seem that the only legal possibility is if the group is growing its own marijuana on tribal land. 

Citizen Times Publishes Review of How to Purchase Marijuana from the Dispensary Legally

Although Citizen Times notes that the dispensary is technically a legal operation, it also highlights various steps people can take to avoid legal issues. For starters, the use or consumption of cannabis is not allowed on the property of the dispensary. Secondly, you must be at least 21 years old to visit the dispensary and purchase marijuana. You’ll need to show an ID at the location before you can purchase products. 

You do not need to be a member of the Cherokee Nation to buy products from the dispensary. There is also no requirement to be a North Carolina resident. The dispensary also recognizes certain medical benefits and programs associated with medical marijuana. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina. As soon as you take the products outside of Indian land and into North Carolina “proper,” you will face potential charges for possession. 

Can a North Carolina Marijuana Defense Attorney Help Me?

If you face any criminal charges due to possession of cannabis, you might want to contact an experienced North Carolina defense attorney. These legal professionals may be able to help you fight your charges, whether your situation is related to legal cannabis dispensaries or not. Continue this conversation by contacting Coastal South Law today.