Confused about cannabis legality in North Carolina? Good thing you’re here! Read on to get the lowdown on the laws and regulations around marijuana in the Tar Heel State. With the trend of legalizing recreational weed, this question’s become more important than ever!
The history of marijuana in North Carolina
The history of marijuana laws in North Carolina goes back to 1900s. Hemp was grown in the state, but marijuana wasn’t criminalized until the 1950s. Possession of less than half an ounce is decriminalized, however it’s still a misdemeanour. Medical marijuana isn’t legal yet, and there’s strong opposition for legalization.
The Controlled Substances Act was passed in 1970. It put marijuana in its own category as a Schedule I drug with ‘high potential for abuse’ and no medical value. This meant harsher penalties for those found guilty of possessing or trafficking marijuana.
Recently, North Carolina allowed farmers to apply for industrial hemp licenses. This has led to more opportunities for the CBD industry.
Is recreational weed legal in North Carolina?
North Carolina hasn’t legalized recreational weed yet. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana remains a criminal offense that can lead to jail time and fines. It’s illegal to produce, sell, or possess marijuana for non-medical purposes according to the state’s Controlled Substances Act.
Exceptions exist in the state’s medical cannabis programs for patients with certain conditions though, such as Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, or cancer. But these laws don’t provide much legal availability or conditions for use.
If you’re caught possessing marijuana in North Carolina, you can get up to 45 days in jail and a $200 fine for the first offense (depending on how much you are in possession of). Subsequent offenses lead to bigger penalties.
Despite many efforts to legalize recreational weed, including bills by lawmakers, it hasn’t become law yet. So if you’re thinking of using marijuana in any form, be aware of the consequences if caught.
Political parties in the state are becoming more supportive of legalization year by year. This means we may see changes in state policies towards Cannabis soon. Until then, it’s best to be careful and not break any laws related to marijuana use or possession whilst in North Carolina.
What is the law on possession and growing weed in North Carolina?
Possessing or growing weed in North Carolina is strictly regulated. It’s illegal to possess, sell, or use marijuana recreationally, and growing cannabis plants in any form is also a no-no. Even though hemp plants are legalized here, cultivating them for non-research purposes is still not allowed.
Though, North Carolina has decriminalized having small amounts of marijuana – up to 0.5 ounces, which will be considered a misdemeanor offence. No prison time, but a fine is imposed. But medical marijuana is still not legal here.
Breaking these rules can lead to big penalties such as jail and fines. So, it’s important to know and obey the regulations to avoid facing legal consequences.
What is the law on possession
In North Carolina, possessing marijuana is a no-no. If you’ve got less than half an ounce, you’ll face a max fine of $200. But more than that, and you could be looking at felony charges! Legalizing medical or recreational marijuana is currently off the table, so possession remains illegal.
In other states, marijuana has been legalized for recreational use. But North Carolina is still firmly against it. Possession is strictly prohibited, even for medically approved reasons. The only exception is if you’re registered and allowed to use hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC.
Criminal charges for possession and trafficking in NC
- 0.5 oz and under is classed as a misdemeanour charge and will land you a $200 fine.
- 0.5 to 1.5 oz will likely land you between 1 and 45 days in jail plus a $1,000 fine.
- 1.5 oz to 10 lbs which is a felony charge and will land you 3-8 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- 10 to 50 lbs which is a class H felony and will land you 25-30 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
- 50 to 2,000 lbs which is a class G felony and will land you 25-42 months and/or $25,000 fine.
- 2,000 to 10,000 lbs which is a class F felony and will land you 70-84 months and/or $50,000 fine.
- Over 10,000 lbs which is a class D felony and will land you 175-219 months in jail, and/or $200,000 fine.
What is the law on growing
In North Carolina, it is illegal to grow weed for any purpose. Having even a small amount can result in fines or jail time. Planting marijuana is a felony – with a punishment of 4 to 8 months in prison – as per Penal Code 90-95(D)(4).
Hemp production is not allowed without a license from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Compared to other states, North Carolina has yet to legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use. It’s important to understand the laws before attempting to cultivate cannabis.
What is the law on trafficking and supplying
Trafficking and supplying drugs in North Carolina is illegal. Severe consequences can result, including felony charges, long prison sentences, and hefty fines. The state has a zero-tolerance policy to trafficking larger amounts of weed.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of drugs in North Carolina. Even with a prescription, or if it’s legal in another state, operating a vehicle while impaired could lead to arrest.
Drug offenses are a major problem in North Carolina. Opioid deaths have risen in recent years. From 2017 to 2019, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,205 opioid-related overdose deaths.
Is medical marijuana legal in North Carolina?
North Carolina doesn’t let you use medical marijuana, regardless of popular demand. You can only obtain low-THC hemp extracts from a registered neurologist. You can’t buy or grow medicinal cannabis either. The state’s strict marijuana laws make it tough for businesses to sell CBD oil with THC levels as low as 0.3%, without risking prosecution.
How do you get a medical marijuana license in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, to get a medical marijuana license, you must follow certain steps:
- First, a licensed physician must diagnose you with a qualifying medical condition.
- This doctor must register with the NC Medical Board and take an approved training course on medical cannabis.
- Then, they can submit your application for a medical marijuana card to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
You have to give personal info such as your name, date of birth and proof of residency. You may also need to show medical records or documents about your qualifying condition. Once approved, you’ll get a registry identification card that lets you legally buy medical marijuana from authorized dispensaries in North Carolina.
It’s worth noting that while North Carolina has legalized hemp derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, recreational or even medical marijuana above 0.3% THC is still illegal in the state.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, if you meet certain medical requirements, you can get a marijuana card. You must be 18 or over, have identification, and have a serious disease. The state’s program is new, so only epilepsy and intractable seizures are qualifying conditions.
Young people with epilepsy or other serious health problems can also get a card if a pediatric neurologist approves it. To be eligible, the patient must show that regular medicines didn’t work. If you’re allergic to shellfish, be aware that oral THC or CBD could cause anaphylaxis symptoms.
Does North Carolina recognise medical marijuana cards from other states?
Medical marijuana cards from other states are not accepted in North Carolina. If you don’t have a valid card from a doctor, you could be in legal trouble. The state does not have a medical marijuana program, so it is illegal to possess or use medical marijuana.
Anyone with a medical marijuana card from another state risks serious legal consequences if found with marijuana when travelling through North Carolina. Avoid carrying any amount of marijuana while in the state.
