Every year the laws on marijuana change from state to state. We wanted to make staying in the loop easier for you! We put together the most recent updates on the North Carolina Marijuana Laws below. Check it out!
Status: Illegal
Decriminalized: Reduced
Medical: No
North Carolina Introduces Medical Marijuana Bill
As of 2018 there are now 33 states that have developed and regulated a medical program. North Carolina, unfortunately, is still punishing those replacing their opiates with marijuana.
Because voters are unable to place measures on the ballot in the state of North Carolina, it’s up to legislation to bring about the medical program, which is backed by 80% of North Carolina Voters.
In March of 2019, H-401 was introduced by a group of cosponsors, which was the first comprehensive medical marijuana bill.
This is a much bigger step forward since the CBD law took effect 5 years ago. Those with seizure disorders are able to use CBD to help with their condition. Unfortunately, the law failed to supply a safe and reliable source for oil extract.
Recently in 2019, the Senate approved a new bill to expand the already in place CBD law. Bill S-168 would add multiple medical conditions to the qualifying list, including Crohn’s Disease, Autism, Mitochondrial Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
However, the bill has yet to advance from the House. Like the CBD bill H-401, it doesn’t include safe ways to access medical marijuana, and only allows marijuana levels between 0.3% – 0.9%, which is considerably less than most patients needs.
With the legislature adjourning this year, North Carolina looks to 2020 to expand their marijuana programs.
Prohibition and Decriminalization
North Carolina is part of the 26 states that have laws preventing officers from arresting those with small amounts of marijuana.
Believe it or not, in 1977 the legislation approved the reduction of penalties, which some people don’t even know about.
The law is actually one of the weaker laws decriminalizing marijuana in the Untied States. The first offense brings about a possible suspended sentence, and carries a misdemeanor instead of a civil violation charge.
Recently, S-58 was a bill introduced by three senators, and cosponsors, that would legalize the possession of up to 4 ounces of marijuana. This would also remove convictions for up to 3 ounces of marijuana on anyones record.
Stay tuned for more updates to the North Carolina Marijuana Laws!