The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians petitioned to change the name back to its original Cherokee name. That request has now been granted and Cherokee leaders and visitors are responding.

A cannabis plant grow room in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' Great Smoky Cannabis Co. dispensary in Cherokee, North Carolina. April 20, 2024.

Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians first settled the mountain, which they believed to be sacred, thousands of years ago. The name translates to “the mulberry place.” ...