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Currently, cannabis is prohibited for most uses, except for some medical exceptions, in North Carolina. Over the years, the state has attempted to pass medical cannabis legislation without success.
Here is everything you need to know about the state of marijuana legalization in NC.
Unlawful Cannabis Activity in North Carolina
Currently, North Carolina does not have a legal cannabis program, although some patients with intractable epilepsy can consume low-THC cannabis for medical purposes. Otherwise, cannabis use is prohibited.
Here are some of the penalties for illegal possession, distribution, and cultivation of cannabis in North Carolina:
- Illegal possession
- Less than ½ oz flower or 0.05 oz concentrate for personal use: Misdemeanor
- Less than 1 ½ oz flower or 0.15 oz concentrate: Misdemeanor
- Possession of larger amounts: Charged as illegal distribution
- Illegal distribution
- Less than 5 grams and no money received: Charged as possession for personal use
- 10 lb. or less for profit: Felony
- Illegal manufacture or cultivation
- Less than 10 lb.: Felony
- More than 10 lb.: Felony trafficking
Cannabis Decriminalization in 1977
In 1997, the state decriminalized first-time possession of cannabis by passing HB 1325. The bill made first-time possession of under one ounce of cannabis a misdemeanor with a suspended sentence and a $100 fine.
Medical Cannabis Legalization Bills Fail in 2015, 2017, and 2019
In May 2014, a proposal to legalize medical cannabis was introduced but failed to pass a House committee in March 2015. The committee also issued an “unfavorable report” prohibiting the House from considering a medical cannabis bill for two years.
Lawmakers tried to pass a bill to legalize medical marijuana in 2017, but the General Assembly blocked the measure. North Carolina lawmakers attempted to pass three medical marijuana proposals (HB 401, SB 168, and SB 58) in 2019 without success.
CBD Legalization in 2015
In 2015, Governor Pat McCrory signed HB766 allowing patients with intractable epilepsy to use CBD oil for medical purposes. Qualifying patients can use CBD oil with at least 5% CBD and less than 0.9% THC.
While CBD sales are legal, North Carolina has not created a regulatory framework for CBD sales. Many patients buy their CBD products online or out-of-state.
Industrial Hemp Production Legalization in 2017
In 2017, the state's industrial hemp pilot program started. Starting on January 1, 2022, North Carolina’s hemp program will be regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS).
Anyone interested in obtaining a hemp growing license should contact USDA’s Domestic Hemp Production Program (DHPP).
Cannabis Becomes Legal on Cherokee Land in 2021
On August 5, 2021, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council approved an ordinance to legalize medical marijuana within the Qualla Boundary. The law allows qualifying cannabis patients to buy up to one ounce of cannabis per day with a limit of six ounces per month.
Patients who do not live within the Qualla Boundary can still get a medical cannabis recommendation and cannabis at a developing medical marijuana dispensary.
Will Medical Marijuana Legalization in NC in 2022 Happen?
In 2022, a new bill attempting to legalize medical cannabis for certain conditions will be introduced and up for debate. In the state, the Compassionate Care Act has gotten support from both sides of the aisle but has been sent to the Senate for approval.
During the year, the bill was moved swiftly through committees but stalled after lawmakers began focusing on the state budget and redistricting.
“We're planning on picking up the rest and getting it through the short session,” said Senator Paul Lowe, a primary sponsor of the initiative. If passed, the law would legalize medical cannabis in North Carolina. It would only allow patients with debilitating conditions like epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, sickle cell anemia, and severe PTSD to use medical marijuana.
The bill could be looked at in the spring by the Senate and then move for debate in the House during the short session. With strong support from Republican Senators Bill Rabon and Michael Lee, the bill has a good chance of making it through the Senate in 2022.
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Fred Hernandez
Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.
Jeff was involved in an accident where he endured a traumatic brain injury. He had a week-long stay in ICU where brain surgeons 
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