{"id":53503,"date":"2021-05-13T16:01:20","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T16:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/merryjane.com\/cherokee-nation-just-decriminalized-weed-possession-in-state-where-pot-is-still-illegal\/"},"modified":"2021-05-13T16:01:20","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T16:01:20","slug":"cherokee-nation-just-decriminalized-weed-possession-in-state-where-pot-is-still-illegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/merryjane.com\/news\/cherokee-nation-just-decriminalized-weed-possession-in-state-where-pot-is-still-illegal\/","title":{"rendered":"Cherokee Nation Just Decriminalized Weed Possession in State Where Pot Is Still Illegal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Image <\/em>via<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal council, which oversees Native communities located on the western edge of North Carolina, has voted to decriminalize the possession of an ounce of cannabis for those 21 years and older, Cherokee One Feather <\/em>reports<\/u><\/a>.  <\/p>\n

As a sovereign nation not subject to state laws, the tribe\u2019s decision to decriminalize cannabis possession of up to an ounce makes it the first area in North Carolina to remove marijuana possession penalties. <\/p>\n

The changes to the Eastern Band\u2019s drug code passed nearly unanimously, with 11 council members voting for the decriminalization and one only against. The resolution will now head to the council chairman and the chief to be ratified. <\/p>\n