North Carolina
In May 2023, a bill was introduced in the North Carolina legislature that would legalize the possession and use of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. The bill would also establish a system for the regulation of cannabis production and distribution. The bill is currently being considered by the legislature.
If the bill is passed, it would make North Carolina the 25th state to legalize recreational cannabis. It would also be a significant step forward for cannabis reform in North Carolina.
Current Legislation
Recreational marijuana: Recreational marijuana is not legal in North Carolina. However, a bill to legalize recreational marijuana was introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly in January 2023. The bill, SB 765, would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to two mature and two immature plants per household. It would also create a state-regulated market for the sale of marijuana products.
Medical marijuana: Medical marijuana has been legal in North Carolina since 2017. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state and purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.
Hemp: Hemp is legal in North Carolina and can be grown, processed, and sold without a license. However, hemp products must contain no more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
The cannabis industry in North Carolina is still in its early stages. The state has only issued a limited number of medical marijuana licenses, and there are no recreational marijuana dispensaries yet. However, the state is expected to see increased growth in the cannabis industry in the coming years.
Here are some of the key provisions of the medical marijuana legislation in North Carolina:
Qualifying conditions: Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS.
Possession: Patients with a medical marijuana card are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to four plants per household.
Sale: Marijuana products can only be sold to patients with a medical marijuana card from licensed dispensaries.
The medical marijuana legislation in North Carolina has been met with some controversy. Some people believe that the law is too restrictive, while others believe that it is too lenient. The state is currently considering changes to the law, but it is not clear when these changes will be made.
Overall, the cannabis legislation in North Carolina is still evolving. The state is taking a cautious approach to the legalization of marijuana, and it is not clear when recreational marijuana will be legalized. However, the state is expected to see increased growth in the cannabis industry in the coming years.
Here are some additional things to know about cannabis legislation in North Carolina:
The North Carolina Medical Cannabis Commission (NCMCC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the medical marijuana legislation.
The NCMCC has issued a limited number of medical marijuana licenses, and there are currently 18 dispensaries operating in the state.
The NCMCC is also working on developing regulations for the sale of recreational marijuana, but it is not clear when these regulations will be finalized.
Get help from a cannabis business consultant like Dispensary Accelerator. A cannabis business consultant can help you understand the application process and the requirements. They can also help you prepare your dispensary business plan and reduce the length of time it normally takes to develop an application.
Our team has helped teams successfully plan ahead of legislation and get set up for success upon the change in legislation within their respective States.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help.
We have a successful track record of providing consulting services ranging from simple business plans, to full-scale dispensary build-outs and training programs.
Wherever there is a challenge, our team has met it.
Reduced Risk
We help prospective teams reduce the risk of failure and costs through the knowledge and experience from our dispensary team.
Fast To The Finish Line
Cannabis industry entrepreneurs typically get lost on the path to building a business plan, due to the complexities of regulation, and highly expensive start-up costs. Our team ensures you get to the finish line efficiently.
