We are writing today in response to Representative Edwards’ letter insisting members of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) vote against the legalization of marijuana use.

While I believe everyone has the right to voice their opinion, I would be turning my back on the industry I love and have been a part of for over 25 years if I did not point out numerous problematic and uninformed statements the esteemed Representative Chuck Edwards has made in his recent opinion piece on cannabis legalization and the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) which appeared in the Cherokee One Feather Aug. 23, 2023 edition.

The month of October is bookended with two exceptionally fun and exciting events. The signature event for the tribe is the Cherokee Indian Fair which runs Oct. 3-7, although the initial information from the Fair committee is that there will be a “Fair Week Stick Off”, meaning as part of the start of the Fair, stickball games will be held at Unity Field on Monday, Oct. 2. So, bonus!

Last evening, I uploaded a photo I took of men of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) playing stickball during the Annual Kituwah Celebration in June.  That photo was almost immediately deleted by Facebook stating it went against their community standards on “nudity or sexual activity”. 

Since 1996, Congress has shirked its responsibility to uphold the very laws it has passed regarding marijuana.