Cherokee Group officially legalizes cannabis

The Cherokee indigenous people just made history when the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians legalized cannabis.

For the first time in North Carolina history, medical marijuana is legal. It’s legal in Cherokee Land to be precise. The cultivation, sale, and use of medical marijuana has been approved by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The Tribal Council, unlike North Carolina lawmakers, recognizes the medicinal benefits. Principal Chief Richard Sneed, who was first elected vice chairman of The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in 2015, names medical marijuana as critical in treating cancer and chronic pain.

“The council’s approval of a medical marijuana regulation is evidence of changing attitudes towards legal marijuana and recognition of the growing evidence supporting cannabis as a medicine, especially for people with debilitating conditions like cancer and chronic pain,” said Principal Chief Richard said Sneed.

The sovereign nation is in western North Carolina. It is known as the Qualla Boundary, where the tribe has its own elections, government agencies, and laws. “I applaud the Council for its careful consideration, extensive research and consultation with experts in developing a system that balances compassionate care for patients with maintaining safety in our community,” added Sneed. “Adopting this regulation is only the first step, but we are excited to begin building this program. I know that when I express my pride and gratitude for the leadership of our council on this issue, I reflect the feelings of many patients. “

Medically qualified patients over 21 will soon be able to apply for and receive a medical marijuana card. One ounce and 2,500 mg of THC per day is the legal limit and in one month the limit must not exceed six ounces and 10,000 mg of THC.

With the EBCI Cannabis Control Board, the tribe will license cultivation and processing as well as pharmacy and laboratory locations. The board consists of five members made up of experts in healthcare, law enforcement, cannabis industry, business, and management. The board of directors issues regulations and issues licenses to employees.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians decision came shortly after Sneed, along with EBCI Government Liaison Jeremy Wilson and Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Joey Owle, issued Ord. 380. It passed 11-1 and changed Cherokee Code Sec . 14-95.5 (possession of a controlled substance). According to the order, the charge was reduced to a Class C penalty of possessing half an ounce of cannabis to one ounce. Previously, only one to 20 ounces to three to 20 ounces were legal to wear.

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Cherokee makes history

Sneed Ord called in May. No. 380 a crucial first step. “Today’s decision by the Tribal Council to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis by those 21 and older is a first step to better serve the needs of our citizens who use cannabis as medicine,” he said. “I join these citizens in applauding the Council for its historic, compassionate and morally righteous actions.”

Reed called it not only morally reasonable, but also economically reasonable. “Now that we need new sources of income, cannabis does that job,” he said. “With today’s ordinance being passed, the tribe has now opened the can of possibilities instead of stepping the can onto the street. Today’s death has also brought peace of mind to those who rely on cannabis for their medical needs. Today is a good day for the citizens of the EBCI and a bright future for our economy. “

Meanwhile representatives Kelly Alexander from Charlotte continues to campaign for cannabis legalization. To this end, he presented a draft law for the first time in 2013. In the years since then, Alexander has continued his struggle for the welfare of the people of North Carolina. Recently, Senate Bill 711 legalizing medical cannabis was pushed forward in the NC Senate. Currently, three out of four North Carolina residents support medical marijuana legalization.