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North Carolina: Everything You Need to Know
North Carolina Laws
Medical marijuana is NOT legal in North Carolina. The state is one of only 11 states without comprehensive medical cannabis legislation. While various bills have been introduced in recent years, none have passed into law. Possession, sale, and cultivation of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes remain illegal under state law, with criminal penalties based on the amount possessed.
- Medical marijuana is illegal in North Carolina with no state program.
- Only exception: FDA-approved drugs containing marijuana (very limited medical use).
- Hemp and CBD products (under 0.3% THC) are legal for purchase.
- First offense possession of half ounce or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor with maximum $200 fine.
- Possession of more than half ounce carries increased penalties including potential jail time.
- Various medical marijuana bills have been introduced but not passed by the legislature.
- Home cultivation is illegal.
- Recreational cannabis is illegal in North Carolina.
- Driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal and subject to penalties.
Note: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates legal medical and recreational dispensaries exclusively on sovereign tribal lands in western North Carolina. This is NOT a statewide program and only applies within tribal territory.
North Carolina Reform Timeline
2014 – Limited CBD Law Passed
- North Carolina passes legislation allowing CBD oil for intractable epilepsy patients only.
2021 – Senate Bill 711 Introduced
- Compassionate Care Act introduced to establish medical marijuana program but fails to advance.
2022 – Senate Passes Medical Cannabis Bill
- Senate passes medical cannabis legislation, but House fails to vote before adjournment.
2023 – Multiple Bills Introduced
- Several medical and recreational cannabis bills introduced but none pass into law.
2024 – Tribal Dispensaries Open
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opens first legal adult-use dispensary on sovereign tribal lands; not applicable to rest of state.
2025 – Advisory Council Created
- Governor Josh Stein establishes State Advisory Council on Cannabis to study comprehensive regulation.
North Carolina Possession Limits
North Carolina does not currently have a medical marijuana program, so no possession limits exist for patients.
- Patients would need physician certification for qualifying conditions.
- No limitations on administration methods (vaping, edibles, smoking) in proposed legislation.
- Home cultivation provisions have not been specified in current proposals.
- Recreational cannabis possession and use remain illegal under North Carolina law.
Current law: Possession of any amount of marijuana without a valid medical card remains illegal and carries criminal penalties.
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FAQs
Is medical marijuana legal in North Carolina?
No, medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina. The state does not have a medical cannabis program, and possession of marijuana remains illegal with criminal penalties. North Carolina is one of only 11 states without comprehensive medical cannabis legislation.
Can I get arrested for marijuana possession in North Carolina?
Yes, marijuana possession is illegal in North Carolina and carries criminal penalties. Possession of half ounce or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor with up to $200 fine. Larger amounts carry felony charges with potential jail time and higher fines.
Are CBD and hemp products legal in North Carolina?
Yes, hemp-derived CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less are legal to purchase and possess in North Carolina. Hemp extracts for intractable epilepsy patients may contain up to 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD.
Where can I legally purchase cannabis in North Carolina?
The only legal cannabis sales in North Carolina occur on sovereign tribal lands operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in western North Carolina. The Great Smoky Cannabis Company offers medical and adult-use sales to individuals 21 and older on tribal property only. This does not extend to the rest of North Carolina—outside tribal lands, all cannabis purchases and possession remain illegal under state law.
What is the status of medical marijuana legislation in North Carolina?
Multiple medical marijuana bills have been introduced in recent years but none have passed. In 2025, Governor Josh Stein created a State Advisory Council on Cannabis to study comprehensive regulation. Public polling shows strong support with 71% favoring medical marijuana legalization.
Visit These North Carolina Hotspots
When You Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Charlotte