Mitchel Chargo Discusses How Native Tribes are Influencing U.S. Cannabis Policy and Creating New Revenue Opportunities

Hinshaw partner Mitchel Chargo was featured in a recent mg Magazine story discussing the significance of the landmark opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Company dispensary by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

While cannabis remains illegal under North Carolina law, the dispensary's launch was met with overwhelming public support, drawing around 4,000 visitors during its opening weekend.

Although the Great Smoky Cannabis Company is a most recent example of an adult recreational use dispensary opening on tribal land, Chargo pointed out the progress achieved by the eleven federally recognized tribes within Minnesota regarding cannabis operations both on and off their tribal lands.

He also noted the significance of the compacting process between Minnesota and tribes within the state to permit cannabis operations beyond the exterior boundaries of their sovereign lands:

"I believe the compacting process between the eleven federally recognized tribes within the territorial boundaries of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota will yield groundbreaking results for [those] tribes… and highlight the potential benefits that can be accessed by other tribes throughout the country who take the bold step of legalizing cannabis within their reservation lands."

Read the full article.

• "Cherokee Tribe Draws Thousands Opening Weekend with First Adult-Use Dispensary in North Carolina" was published by mg Magazine on September 10, 2024.