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Medical: No
Recreational: No
Reciprocity: N/A
There is no legal medical or recreational cannabis program in North Carolina. The state is still a full cannabis prohibition state after a bill to create a medical program was stalled in the state House in July 2022.
Possible penalties
North Carolina has taken a small step in the direction of decriminalizing cannabis. Possession of less than .5 oz of cannabis flower or concentrate is decriminalized to a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $200 but no jail time.
However, possession under 1.5 oz is a misdemeanor but punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to 45 days in jail. If you have more than 1.5 oz in your possession, you’ll face a felony charge. Selling, delivering, or growing cannabis are all felonies.
Cannabis in North Carolina
Like many states in the USA, North Carolina has a complicated relationship with cannabis. There are many people in the state who value the medicinal use of the plant or the personal freedom to consume cannabis as they choose, but there are an equal number of people who want the plant to remain illegal.
Laws surrounding cannabis prohibition are unfairly enforced, with Black residents 3.3 times more likely to be arrested than white residents.
Does North Carolina have medical marijuana?
There is no existing medical marijuana program in North Carolina.
In 2022, a bill was introduced that would have created a medical program, giving access to cannabis flower and products to patients with debilitating medical conditions including: cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It passed through the state Senate but was quashed in the House by members of the Republican party in July.
CBD regulations
Prior to the passage of the 208 Farm Bill, North Carolina legalized CBD oil for patients with epilepsy. Today you can find CBD products at hemp stores across the state.
Can you grow your own weed?
No, there is no legal home grow for cannabis products in North Carolina. You can farm hemp plants with a license.
Visiting North Carolina – can you buy or bring marijuana products?
No, you cannot legally bring or buy cannabis products in North Carolina. The state has a legacy market (also called the black market) where people have been buying cannabis for decades but exercise caution. These products are unregulated and untested, and you consume them at your own risk.
It is illegal in the US to cross state lines with marijuana or cannabis products, and you do so at your own risk.
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