As rules about cannabis change across the US, many patients are wondering if they need a medical card to buy cannabis in NC. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. It depends on whether you’re looking at tribal lands or state authority. Let’s break it down.
North Carolina’s cannabis laws are still mostly against the law
At the moment, North Carolina does not allow people to use, consume, buy, or grow marijuana for recreational purposes anywhere in the state.
Even though some small amounts are no longer illegal, marijuana is still mostly against the law in most states. There have been many efforts in the state legislature to legalize medical cannabis, but none have been successful. Bills like SB 711 and SB 3 have passed the Senate but not the House.
However, some medical uses of CBD are legal. For example, people with uncontrollable epilepsy can legally use low-THC, high-CBD products.
On the other hand, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services does not officially issue medical marijuana cards and the state law does not allow shops.
But wait, there are dispensaries… on tribal land
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), which is a nationally recognized reservation, set up a medical marijuana program on the Qualla Boundary.
This was done under their own tribal authority. Tribal rules have decriminalized small amounts of cannabis and allowed medical use since 2021.
They have also set up a regulatory board (EBCI Cannabis Control Board) to oversee dispensaries.
Cannabis products can only be bought there by adults 21 and older with a valid medical cannabis patient card, which can be given by the EBCI or a recognized out-of-state card.
That being said, do you need a card? Yes, if you want to legally buy marijuana.
To go to Great Smoky Cannabis Co., you need to be at least 21 years old and have one of the following:
- A medical cannabis user card from the EBCI, or
- A card for medical marijuana from another state that the tribe will accept.
Off tribal land, there are no dispensaries, and even people with uncontrollable epilepsy can’t buy marijuana—the law says they can only buy CBD goods made from hemp.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card from EBCI
- Verify your residency: YOU MUST LIVE IN NC (show proof with a state ID).
- In a medical sense: EBCI recognizes a lot more conditions than just uncontrollable seizures. These include cancer, ALS, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, PTSD, Crohn’s, sickle cell, multiple sclerosis, wasting syndrome, nausea, and more.
- Attestation from a doctor: Get a written attestation or medical summary from a qualified doctor that says you meet one of the recognized qualifying conditions.
- Send in the application: Email or mail the EBCI Cannabis Control Board proof of who you are, where you live, a picture, and your ID.
- Pay the fee: Residents of North Carolina: $100 one-time fee, $100 yearly extension.
The cost to join EBCI was $50 the first time and $25 each time after that.
You’ll get your EBCI medical cannabis card once you’re accepted, which lets you legally buy cannabis on tribal lands.
Upcoming Recreational Legalization
Seventy percent of people who voted in the EBCI election in September 2023 wanted to legalize cannabis for recreational use on the Qualla Boundary.
However, the law is still being put into place. A new law would let any adult (21 or older) buy things for fun. At first, only tribe members would be able to do this, but by mid-August (probably 2025), all adults should be able to do it too. At the moment, shops only help people who need it for medical reasons. But soon, adults will be able to use them too, but only on tribal land.
Key Takeaways: Do You Need a Medical Card?
| Scenario | Can You Buy Cannabis? | Card Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide, outside tribal land | No legal dispensaries (State doesn’t issue cards) | N/A |
| On EBCI tribal lands (Qualla Boundary) | Yes, at tribal dispensary | Yes—EBCI card or accepted out-of-state card |
| Recreational? (expected future expansion on tribal land) | Yes (when enacted) | No, for tribal members; yes for others |
For MMJMedics readers who are thinking about going this way
- If you live in North Carolina and want to get medical cannabis, you should first check to see if you have a disease that the EBCI recognizes as qualifying.
- Make an appointment with a medical professional to get the necessary proof.
- Get a government ID, proof that you live in the state, and a picture.
- You must apply to the EBCI Cannabis Control Board in order to legally buy marijuana from a North Carolina store.
- You will need to pay around $100, update your card every year, and bring your card and ID with you every time you visit Great Smoky Cannabis Co.
Why this is important
It is one of the few states left that does not have a statewide medical cannabis program. Patients with valid reasons still want controlled access,
which makes the EBCI’s program very important and one of the few acceptable ways to get it in the state. Keep an eye on the NC congressional arena for future updates. Medical cannabis bills keep coming up, but it’s still not clear if they will pass.
In conclusion
Briefly: To buy from a dispensary, you do need a medical cannabis card. In this case, the EBCI card is what you need, but any accepted out-of-state card will do.
In North Carolina, the only legal dispensaries are on tribal areas right now. Cannabis is still out of reach in other places for now.
Please let me know if you need help with recording your qualifying condition, finding a provider who knows how to handle this process, or keeping up with upcoming changes to the law!
