FAQs

Where does EBCI medical cannabis law apply?

• The Tribe’s laws on medical cannabis only apply on Tribal land. This means the laws apply on the Qualla Boundary and the Tribe’s other trust lands.

Who is eligible for an EBCI medical cannabis patient card?

• CCB is now accepting applications from North Carolina residents. You must show proof you are a current resident residing in North Carolina.

How much is the application fee?

• Fees for medical cannabis patient cards are as follows (these fees are non-refundable):
  • First issuance
    • NC Residents: $100.00
    • Enrolled EBCI Members: $50.00
  • Renewal (Yearly)
    • NC Residents: $100.00
    • Enrolled EBCI Members:$25.00

Is there an age requirement to receive a medical cannabis patient card?

• Yes. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

What health conditions must a person have to receive a medical cannabis patient card?

• There are currently 18 types of health conditions. Here is the current list of chronic or debilitating medical conditions:
  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
  • An anxiety disorder;
  • An autism spectrum disorder;
  • An autoimmune disorder;
  • Anorexia nervosa;
  • Cancer;
  • Dependence upon or addiction to opioids;
  • Glaucoma;
  • A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces, for a specific patient, one or more of the following:
    • Cachexia;
    • Muscle spasms, including, without limitation, spasms caused by
      multiple sclerosis;
    • Seizures, including, without limitation, seizures caused by
      epilepsy;
    • Nausea; or
    • Severe or chronic pain;
  • A medical condition related to the human immunodeficiency virus;
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder;
  • Crohn’s disease;
  • Sickle cell anemia;
  • Amyotrophic lateral syndrome;
  • Parkinson’s disease;
  • A condition resulting in the patient receiving Hospice care;
  • A terminal illness when the patient’s remaining life expectancy is
    less than six months.

Do I need a prescription or recommendation from a doctor to get a medical cannabis card?

• No. A prescription or recommendation from your doctor is not required. You are required to submit written documentation of one or more of the 18 health conditions with your application.

Am I required to submit all of my medical records to get a medical cannabis patient card?

• No. Your entire medical record or file is not required. Proof of one or more of the 18 health conditions is sufficient.

Does it matter what kinds of medical records I submit with my application?

• No. The type of medical record does not matter, but it must be sufficient to show that you are diagnosed with at least one of the 18 health conditions.

Where do I submit my application?

• Please visit the CCB’s website at https://ebci-ccb.org and select “Apply Online” to complete your application.

Are you accepting patient cards from other states?

• Yes. A valid patient card from a different jurisdiction is acceptable.

Does a medical cannabis card entitle me to take medical cannabis off of Tribal land?

• No. Cannabis is still illegal under federal and North Carolina law.

Does a medical cannabis patient card entitle me to consume medical cannabis in public?

• No.

Does the CCB grow, process, or sell medical cannabis?

• No. The CCB is responsible for regulating medical cannabis on Tribal lands. It does not grow, process, or sell medical cannabis.

What if I have questions about the dispensary?

• Please contact Qualla Enterprises, LLC by telephone at 828-589-8285 or their websites www.greatsmokycannabisco.com &  www.quallallc.com .

Where can I learn more about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee, North Carolina?

• Please visit https://ebci.com; https://visitcherokeenc.com; or https://motcp.org.

Is a medical cannabis patient card required to purchase marijuana from the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. retail store?

• No. People who are at least 21 years old as proven by valid government-issued identification my purchase marijuana and marijuana products from Great Smoky Cannabis Co.