Medical marijuana has long been a contentious issue across various states in the US, but on 4/20 this year, a significant stride was made in North Carolina. Despite enduring cannabis prohibition under state law, sales opened on the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), marking the state’s first encounter with legalized medical marijuana. The dispensary’s inauguration offers more than just access to medical marijuana for those in need; it provides a platform for discussion and progress within the state’s complex legal landscape. The Great Smoky Cannabis Co., located on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, is not only a testament to the changing views on cannabis but also an opportunity to explore how cannabis might carve a path to the future in North Carolina. The Legal Context Cannabis has remained illegal under North Carolina law, with strict regulations governing its possession, sale, and distribution. However, interestingly enough, a 2021 state law has legalized low-THC products, signaling a gradual shift in policies. The Great Smoky Cannabis Co., located on the Qualla Boundary, showcases the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)’s progressive stance on medical marijuana, which is legally sanctioned under their laws. The dispensary serves as a concrete