2023 A Look Back: Hard Joint to Pass Award
Sharing smokes has proven more difficult than anticipated for the winners of this award, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ cannabis business Qualla Enterprises LLC.
Tribal Council approves short-term funding for Qualla Enterprises: Long-term plan still in process
Tribal Council has again delayed approving long-term funding for its cannabis enterprise but voted overwhelmingly Thursday, Nov. 2, to loan the company up to $3 million to cover expenses over the next month.
Hicks proposes loan to fund cannabis enterprise
In one of the first pieces of legislation of his new term, on Monday, Oct. 9, Principal Chief Michell Hicks presented Tribal Council with a resolution that would provide Qualla Enterprises an additional $19 million in funding — under certain conditions.
Tribal official solicited favors from cannabis contractor, investigation finds
Council considers fine, employment ban
The Cherokee Tribal Council is considering taking formal action against a former representative who is accused of using his position to secure money and personal favors from a vendor guiding the tribe’s fledgling cannabis enterprise.
Economic development efforts added to allowed uses for tribal levy
In a divided decision the Cherokee Tribal Council approved an ordinance amendment that will allow funding for the tribe’s cannabis business to be part of regular budget planning discussions going forward.
EBCI Council tightens transparency rules for tribal LLCs
In response to what he says are ongoing issues with transparency on the part of the tribe’s cannabis business Qualla Enterprises LLC, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed introduced an ordinance during the July 13 Tribal Council session clarifying certain aspects of the relationship between tribal government and its LLCs.