"North Carolina Tribe Considers Legalizing Recreational Marijuana on Tribal Lands"

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana on their reservation in western North Carolina, potentially becoming the only place in the state to allow its recreational use. While the possession of marijuana is still criminalized in the state, the sovereign tribal nation has the authority to regulate cannabis on their reservation. The referendum asks tribal members if they support legalizing possession and use of marijuana for individuals aged 21 and over, and if passed, the Tribal Council plans to abide by the results. The tribe has already decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and legalized medicinal marijuana, with plans to open a tribal-owned dispensary. However, there is pushback from some, including U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who introduced a bill to withhold federal funds from tribal nations that legalize recreational marijuana.