Marijuana is illegal in North Carolina.

But on the tribal land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in far west North Carolina it’s a different story.

Medical cannabis is legal, and last fall tribal members overwhelmingly voted to support recreational use, although legalization is still being discussed by the tribal council.

Next month, the tribe-run cannabis production company will open for medical-use sales.

It’s an issue that’s personal for Myrtle Johnson, who lives on the tribal land.

In 2023 she was diagnosed with lung and colon cancer.

The discomfort she faced from surgery was overwhelming. She also had a major fear of becoming addicted to oxycodone, which she was prescribed.

“I was supposed to take them every four to six hours, but it was so painful I was taking them every two hours,” Johnson said.

But then a friend introduced her to medical marijuana.

“It’s a miracle drug. That’s how I felt at the end of the week after he sent me that medical marijuana, and I didn’t need the oxycodone anymore. I had still had the pain, but it was more relieving,” Johnson said.

But the implementation of medical marijuana in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has sparked concern from some North Carolina Republican leaders.

In a letter to law enforcement, including the county sheriff and the Department of Justice, Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd laid out a series of concerns, including whether there are safety assessments for the drug’s cultivation and how the product is transported.

The drug is “still illegal under state law,” the senators said in their letter. “With unclear guidance, it makes it difficult for state and local officials to uphold the rule of law in our communities. In particular, we have the responsibility to ensure our youth are shielded from untested marijuana products being produced and sold.”

In a statement to Spectrum News 1, the tribe said it has "been open about our efforts with law enforcement and regulatory bodies."

The tribe also said "it’s a shame that Senator Tillis and Senator Budd did not respectfully communicate their concerns directly to Eastern Band of Cherokee leaders, instead choosing a frontal attack on Cherokee sovereignty.”

Johnson said she’s looking forward to the medical marijuana being more easily accessible.

“I’m especially excited for those of us that depend on it for pain, anxiety, depression but especially for those that are addicted to drugs. I’ve seen how it helps those who are wanting to get off the man-made drugs,” Johnson said.

Johnson is now cancer-free.

She’s also a fierce advocate for medical cannabis and said she’s been invited to be one of the first people in line when the tribe starts selling medical marijuana.

Its first day is April 20, which is known as the national cannabis holiday.