Medical Marijuana in North Carolina
At the present time, only hemp is legal in North Carolina, making it one (1) of the twelve (12) states with no medical marijuana legalization reform. In 2015, Governor McCrory signed into law HB 776, which allowed those suffering from intractable epilepsy to use CBD oil.
There were several marijuana bills introduced in the 2021-2022 North Carolina Legislative Session, including NC S711, or designated as North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. Under this proposed bill, the State of North Carolina would be authorized to create a patient registry, which would include numerous qualifying conditions including, but not limited to, HIV, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and a terminal illness when the patient’s remaining life expectancy is less than six months. In addition, this bill will establish a nine (9) member commission, known as the Medical Cannabis Production Commission, to create the regulatory framework over the licensing process and establishment qualifications. The provisions of this bill will allow the Medical Cannabis Production Commission to grant ten (10) medical cannabis supplier licenses.
Presently, the North Carolina House is determining whether to pass Senate Bill 3, which would create a medical marijuana program in the “Tar Heel State.” This is the Senate’s 2nd attempt at trying to pass a medical marijuana bill after the House halted the bill’s progression last year. If SB 3 is passed, it would permit up to ten (10) vertically-integrated licenses with each licensee being able to operate up to eight (8) dispensaries in the state.
Upcoming Applications for North Carolina Medical Marijuana Business Licenses
In the near future, there will be an open application process for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses in North Carolina. Now is the time to get started with your business plan. You can provide your information here to receive notification updates related to North Carolina cannabis matters. Contact one of our consultants to further discuss your options here.
Last Updated: July 10th, 2023