Cherokee Tribe Decries NC Senators’ ‘inflammatory Language’ Over Cannabis Venture

SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians strongly reacted to a letter penned by North Carolina’s two U.S. Senators, Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, calling it “replete with misinformation and inflammatory language” about the tribe’s cannabis venture.

In a statement, EBCI said,

We are aware that on March 1, 2024, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd of North Carolina sent a letter to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials expressing concerns about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ cultivation and proposed sale of medical marijuana on Tribal lands. Unfortunately, this letter was replete with misinformation and inflammatory language that promote fear and misunderstanding. The Eastern Band is attempting to enter the medical marijuana field with careful and thorough consideration of all the legal and policy implications of this industry. We have been open about our efforts with law enforcement and regulatory bodies, as well as the public, about our intentions. The Eastern Band is establishing a model for safety and responsibility in an industry that is already legal in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and tribal lands across the United States.

It’s a shame that Senator Tillis and Senator Budd did not respectfully communicate their concerns directly to Eastern Band Cherokee leaders, instead choosing a frontal attack on Cherokee sovereignty.

US SENATORS TILLIS, BUDD QUESTION LEGALITY OF CHEROKEE TRIBE’S CANNABIS PROGRAM

The letter penned on March 1, 2024, by Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd asks 19 questions about oversight of EBCI’s cannabis program. The letter asked local and federal authorities about the legality of Qualla Enterprises’ cannabis program and questions, which include, “How often the National Indian Gaming Commission conducts audits to ensure the federally recognized tribes that run marijuana businesses and gaming operations do not co-mingle net profits?”