North Carolina is Leading the Country in Cannabis Access & Education
The recent cannabis laws in North Carolina have created a positive atmosphere for cannabis availability throughout the state. As of November 2020, the state has decriminalized simple possession of marijuana, allowed for medical marijuana use, and made hemp production legal. In December 2019, Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation that decriminalized the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana. This allows individuals to possess small amounts of marijuana without facing criminal penalties. It also reduces the penalty for possession of any amount of marijuana from a felony to a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $200.
In addition to the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana, North Carolina’s medical marijuana law was expanded in July 2020. The new law, which was passed by the General Assembly, allows qualified patients with a qualifying medical condition to access cannabis products from a licensed dispensary. Qualifying conditions include cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, AIDS, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The law also establishes a Medical Cannabis Advisory Board to oversee the program. As residents of NC we need to be really concerned about this bill. It limits access to the plant and the large out of state corporations involved in this bill potentially will lobby to decrease availability that we have already fought for with hemp derived Cannabis products like the new THCA flower products, Delta-8 & Delta 10 products, and even potentially minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBC.
As we know the state also recently legalized the production of hemp. The new law, which took effect in November 2020, allows farmers to grow the crop and sell it. The law also establishes a licensing system and provides guidance on the cultivation and sale of hemp. It also sets limits on the amount of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) that hemp products can contain. The new cannabis laws in North Carolina have created a positive atmosphere for cannabis availability. They have helped to make the drug more accessible for medical use, as well as for recreational use in certain cases. The decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana has also helped to reduce the stigma surrounding the drug. In addition to the laws themselves, the state has also taken steps to educate the public about cannabis. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has created a website devoted to providing information about cannabis and its effects. The website also provides resources for individuals who are interested in learning more about the drug. The state has also taken steps to ensure the safety of cannabis products.
Overall, the recent cannabis laws in North Carolina have created a positive atmosphere for cannabis availability. They have helped to make the drug more accessible for medical use, as well as for recreational use in certain cases. They have also taken steps to ensure the safety of cannabis products, and to educate the public about the drug. As a result, the state has become a leader in cannabis reform and is setting an example for the rest of the country.