Cannabis Industry Opportunities
North Carolina
Currently North Carolina is Medical CBD only, in March 2021 House Bill 617 was proposed to fully legalize cannabis and establish regulations for marijuana businesses. August 5, 2021 a ordinance was approved by The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council to legalize medical cannabis within the Qualla Boundary.
As of April 20, 2021 the bill has not been signed.
The state does not have a regulated program for the cultivation, production, or dispensing of CBD products. The law passed in 2014, called the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act. It initially forced patients to participate in a pilot program. The law was amended in 2015 eliminating the patient’s participation in the pilot program. However, patients must be under the care of a neurologist and diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. The neurologist must be affiliated with an in-state licensed hospital in order to obtain the CBD.
Hemp production has been legalized in North Carolina, but only as part of the state's pilot program as allowed under federal law. The N.C. General Assembly passed Senate Bill 313 in 2015, allowing the Industrial Hemp Commission to develop the rules and licensing structure necessary to stay within federal laws.
Medical CBD use is legal in the state, but the law does not provide any regulations for cultivating, production, or dispensing CBD products.
In order to obtain CBD a patient must have intractable epilepsy, and receive certification from a neurologist in affiliation with a licensed hospital.
If HB 617 is signed into law, it would allow for the following licenses:
2021. North Carolina lawmakers suggest decriminalization of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana with HB290 proposal. Full legalization is considered but not yet approved with the arrival of House Bill 617.
2015. Senate Bill 313 is passed, allowing regulations and licensing structure for hemp production to be developed by the Industrial Hemp Commission.
2014. The North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act was passed, allowing patients with intractable epilepsy access to medical CBD.
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Book a consultation with one of our experts and let us guide you.
Recreational marijuana could produce $1.12 billion in sales within five years of legalization, creating 20,000 direct and indirect jobs and $300 million in taxation.
If you are just starting your marijuana business, the best next step is to create a Business Plan to educate your team and prepare for the marijuana business license application process.
If you are ready to apply for a Marijuana Business License in North Carolina, please contact us or call our offices to set up an appointment. You can also explore other state opportunities or fill out our Contact Form to discuss strategies such as investment or partnership opportunities.
Our headquarters are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and Las Vegas Nevada. We offer a full suite of custom solutions for your cannabis business including business planning, license application development, and investment opportunities. If you are in need of assistance, please call us during business hours listed below. Thank you.
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