Qualla Enterprises, LLC has had deep roots in the rich culture of its Cherokee people since its inception. After gaining approval to launch through the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Cannabis Control Board, the birth of Qualla, and its Great Smoky Cannabis Company dispensary, was part of the tribe’s decision to legalize medical cannabis in 2021 and later approve recreational use. This decision has enabled Qualla to thrive while remaining centered on economic growth and cultural preservation.
The team is strengthening those ties with their most recent collaboration: a partnership with local artist and fourth-generation basket weaver Waylon Long, who’s been commissioned to create a custom design for their cannabis product bags. Long’s designs are both steeped in tradition and inspired by nature, and this collaboration marries historical and cultural significance to a modern product that the local community is increasingly excited about.
Waylon Long: A legacy of basket weaving
Long, a renowned basket weaver from the Qualla Boundary, carries on a family tradition that spans over 16 years. As a fourth-generation artisan, he’s proudly continued a legacy that has been recognized around the world.
“My dad was pretty nationally known, and I’m partly there myself,” Long said. “Beyond my local work, I’ve got artwork in New Zealand, Hawaii, and Japan. I replicate a lot of my dad’s and grandma’s work, and I like to keep my style very rooted in tradition.”
Between local and global showcases, Long teaches younger generations how to weave—anywhere from fifth graders to high schoolers. His aim is to continue the tradition within his tribe and stay true to how the art was first formed.
“Other tribes tend to use artificial stuff, but not us. My dyes are rooted in the old techniques, and almost all of the materials I use are natural to our culture,” Long said. “River cane is what I use for base material. Most people think it’s bamboo, but it’s a cousin to it. It doesn’t get as big; it stays medium in size.”
When it comes to dye techniques, Long also avoids the synthetic approach, which many of today’s tribes have pivoted to. “Young ones from other tribes get their dyes from the grocery store. It looks good, but again, we try to keep everything traditional,” Long said.
This means harvesting bloodroot, walnut, and yellowroot for natural colors—a painstaking process that requires days of boiling and preparation—but it’s a labor of love that keeps Long happily tied to his roots.
The inspiration behind the design
Long’s design for Qualla bags is a testament to his deep connection with nature. He often finds inspiration during his time in the woods or on the ball field, where he coaches a local stickball team. “I take off in the woods and ride around for a couple of hours,” Long said. “In fact, that’s what I did this morning—and then I’m on my way home to bust more cane.”
The collaboration with Qualla came naturally to Long, who has several family members involved with the dispensary. The opportunity to merge his basket-weaving heritage with the world of cannabis was a unique challenge, but his artistic touch adds a layer of authenticity and cultural pride to Qualla’s packaging. As a result, these limited edition bags are more than just a product—they’re a piece of Cherokee history.
Qualla: An increasingly artistic vision for the future
For Qualla, this collaboration is about more than just showcasing local talent. It’s part of a broader mission to bring attention to Cherokee culture and uplift the community.
“The spotlight is on us right now, and I just want to introduce the world to Cherokee culture,” said Brand Manager Charles Jackson. “And that begins by involving our local artists. Cherokee basket weaving is something that is special and unique to being Cherokee. I want to highlight our community as a whole rather than hogging the platform; it’s not just about cannabis and sales for us, but about helping people and generating revenue for our entire community.”
As the Great Smoky Cannabis Company dispensary looks ahead, there’s excitement surrounding the recent opening for adult-use cannabis and the potential it brings. Jackson is eager to continue working with local artists and hopes that collaborations like this one will draw more attention to the rich history of the Cherokee people. “I want the spotlight on our whole community, whatever way I can involve them,” Jackson said.
Cultural and economic impact
This collaboration between Qualla and Long is just the beginning. The custom bags, which are set to launch on October 4th, serve as both a functional product and a cultural artifact, symbolizing the resilience and creativity of the Cherokee people, and Long’s contribution not only calls to his own artistic journey but also the timeless tradition of basket weaving that has been passed down through generations.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Long’s art, visit his and his wife’s Facebook page Ganvhida Long, where they showcase their latest creations. From miniatures and earrings to large-scale pieces, Long’s work continues to captivate audiences both locally and internationally. You can also follow Qualla and the Great Smoky Cannabis Company on their social media pages to see what comes next.
