For the citizens of Tar Heel State, medical marijuana will soon be available and legal for use on Cherokee land. Even without getting a marijuana card from a North Carolina Marijuana Doctor. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, also known as the EBCI, is a sovereign nation that is an hour west of Asheville. On August 5, 2021, they voted for the growing, selling, and using of medical marijuana to be legalized on its land in Western North Carolina. With this development, medical marijuana is definitely coming to North Carolina in one form or another. Kelly Alexander, a State Representative who has served for years and is a strong proponent of the SB 711 for legalization in the State Legislature, informed the Charlotte Observer that he is very confident about the Senate Bill 711 passing, which will introduce the state’s version of a medical marijuana program. However, it seems the Cherokee marijuana market will be a success before the state passes or establishes its own medical cannabis program.
How Can the Cherokee Living Within North Carolina Establish Laws that Contradict the State?
Despite the Cherokee land being geographically located within North Carolina, the tribe exists as a sovereign nation, has its laws, and does its elections separately. However, there must be some sort of agreement between the tribe and the state to make sure there is no form of conflict in the execution of the marijuana market. Jeremy Wilson, the tribe’s Governmental Affairs Liaison, told WMYA, “We are trying to be sure that we got all things done in the right manner as this situation is a unique one. Henceforth, we are under the microscope simply due to the situation here with our sovereignty against what the law of the state says. There is more work to be done with North Carolina, but as it stands, we are fully confident that doesn’t pose a significant obstacle to us.” Richard Sneed, the tribe’s chief, confirmed to WMYA that they had discussed things with Raleigh officials, and they have shown their support. “The decision to commence a medical marijuana market in the Cherokee land will help them to expose the ways by which medical marijuana programs can be effectively and efficiently managed. This may also help patients utilizing medical marijuana purchased on Cherokee land determine which medical symptoms they are able to successfully manage. By understanding what medical conditions are benefitting the most from marijuana in North Carolina, it may be possible to expand the qualifying conditions for getting a marijuana card in North Carolina. Other states have expanded their qualifying conditions to include any medical condition the physician feels could benefit from the use of medical cannabis. This expansion of qualifying conditions for marijuana cards has allowed many patients to seek more natural treatments like marijuana before exploring traditional pharmaceuticals, which could come with significant side effects.
What are the Specifics of the EBCI’s Program?
Although the announcement of starting the medical marijuana program was recently made in 2021, we can gather some information about how the program will be conducted.
According to The Charlotte Observer report, the EBCI has laid down some plans which will ensure the program will run smoothly. One of those plans includes the establishment of a Cannabis Control Board, which will comprise of five individuals with good knowledge in healthcare, law enforcement, cannabis healthcare, and business. This Board will be in charge of licensing for the planting, processing, and sale of marijuana. The Board will also take charge of giving out marijuana cards to eligible candidates over the age of 21. And finally, we know the limits for purchasing marijuana that will be imposed by the program. Patients will be allowed to :
- Buy up to one ounce of medical marijuana per day, but not exceeding six ounces per month.
- Or medical cannabis products with 2,500 milligrams of THC per day and not exceeding 10,000 milligrams per month.
What Conditions Qualify for the ECBI Marijuana Program in North Carolina?
Below is a current list of the medical conditions that would qualify patients to purchase medical marijuana on tribal lands in North Carolina.
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- autism spectrum disorders
- anxiety disorders
- autoimmune diseases
- cancer
- anorexia nervosa
- addiction or dependence on opioids
- glaucoma
- any type of condition that produces muscle spasms
- cachexia
- nausea
- any medical condition related to HIV
- severe or chronic pain
- seizures including epilepsy
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any neuropathic condition
- additional medical conditions could be added in the future by the tribe
Patients will have to submit some certification from a doctor showing their qualifying condition to the Cannabis Control Board, and the Board will decide whether or not to approve them for medical marijuana. According to the Observer, the deadline for opening the EBCI’s medical marijuana program has not yet been decided.
Times Are Changing in North Carolina
The vote from the EBCI is just an example of how the opinion of the public can suddenly turn or change direction. The popularity of some type of medical marijuana has grown to the extent that officials like Sneed feel comfortable expressing their excitement for the legalization of cannabis.
“The vote points to the changing attitudes of people towards legal, medical marijuana and the acceptance of the growing body of evidence which supports marijuana as a medicine for those who suffer from debilitating medical conditions like cancer, AIDS, PTSD, and chronic pain. It’s strange now, but passing this law is the first step we have to take, and we are excited to get things moving with the program. I am aware I have a similar opinion to most patients in expressing my pleasure and gratitude for the leadership displayed by our Council on this very issue,” Sneed told The Observer. The evidence of the change in opinion towards medical marijuana is also seen outside the tribal land as well. Research has shown that about 90% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, with medical marijuana markets already established in 36 states.
North Carolina Wants and Needs Medical Marijuana
Just like the majority of states in the nation, North Carolina is no exception to the general trend which supports the legalization of medical marijuana. Raleigh NBC affiliate WRAL reported that support for medical marijuana is growing with over 75% of residents supporting medical cannabis legislation. “From this result, it seems to me that the citizens of North Carolina want the legalization of medical marijuana,” David McLennan, a political science professor at Meredith College, told WRAL.
Cleark Roney is a content writer who is always looking for the next project to sink her teeth into. His favorite thing about writing is that it can be applied to any industry and He loves getting to combine creativity with knowledge of an industry. Cleark enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and watching movies in her spare time. Cleark Roney is a creative content writer who has been published on various platforms. He likes to write about topics related to every where he spent all his time and gained knowlegde.
