Is Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?

is marijuana legal in North Carolina

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Currently, marijuana is not legal in North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope for the future. In fact, they have already decriminalized the drug so that first time offenders aren’t pointlessly imprisoned.

This also means that the sale and use of the drug is charged far less harshly than that of class A narcotics. The notion of medicinal legalization has been visited on a relatively regular basis for some years now. Most recently was Bill 58, which would have decriminalized possession of up to 3 ounces for personal use. Sadly, it was not to be, but we mustn’t give up hope for the people of North Carolina.

is marijuana legal in North Carolina

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North Carolina Marijuana Laws

At the moment a first-time offender might not suffer the ultimate wrath of the law. For possession of 0.5 ounces or less, it’s counted as a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200. Decriminalization of this type is always a step in the right direction. If caught possessing 0.5 to 1.5 ounces things get a little trickier. This could lead to possible jail time of 1 – 45 days, and a maximum $1000 fine.

Possessing between 1.5 and 10 ounces and things get intense. The possible jail time increases to 3 – 8 months, and the charge moves from misdemeanor to felony. If it can be proven that there was intent to distribute it will be a felony right off the bat, which is hardly surprising.

Unlike possession, the sale, delivery or cultivation of ANY AMOUNT will be an immediate felony. Like a lot of states, anything involving a minor, or being within 1000 feet of a school, child care or park will land you in a whole world of hurt.

Medicinal Marijuana In North Carolina

In North Carolina marijuana is also basically illegal for medicinal purposes, though not for a lack of trying. In 2014 the Hope for Hailey and Friends Bill was introduced, named for a small girl who suffered seizures. This bill allowed those with similar issues to have access to cannabis oil and CBD extracts. The use of these products is still so limited that very few people consider it much of a move towards medicinal marijuana.

The attempts to legalize medicinal marijuana in North Carolina have been plentiful, but unfortunately, none have yet taken root. In 2019 The NC Medicinal Cannabis Act came into existence, but it does not look like it will pass any time soon. Take heart friends, as all of the goings-on in NC government point to this being a case not of if, but when. Now how far away that “when” is, is a completely different question.

Looking To The Future

What does the future hold for legal marijuana in North Carolina? It is extremely hard to say. The first step would be the introduction of medicinal cannabis, as is often the case with American states. This may not be in the immediate future but there is plenty of evidence to show that people are in favor of it.

Related:
Is Weed Legal In South Carolina?

There is an estimated 80% public support rate for medicinal cannabis. Only 45% support the legalization of recreational weed however, a sharp drop even for glass-half-full types. This might be due to North Carolina being part of the bible belt. It might also be due to all of its neighboring states not having legal weed, reducing exposure. The closest place to have legal weed is DC, a solid 6-hour drive from Charlotte. So, it may be a long road for North Carolina, but they’ll get there in the end.

Tasha, a dedicated researcher with a Nursing degree from FAU in South Florida, has been contributing to the medical field for 5 years. Her expertise and commitment to healthcare research demonstrate her passion for advancing medical knowledge and patient care.