Is CBD Legal in NC in 2024? CBD Laws in North Carolina

The Things You Need to Know First About CBD Laws in North Carolina

Let’s first talk about the laws that have shaped CBD legalization in North Carolina. 

1. Senate Bill 313: This bill, also known as the Hemp Pilot Program, was passed in North Carolina. It allowed for the cultivation of Industrial hemp and the production of hemp-derived CBD products. It set the groundwork for regulation surrounding hemp cultivation, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) limits. 
2. House Bill 1220: According to the House Bill 1220 legislation, they established a pilot study for epilepsy alternative therapy. It legalized the use of hemp extracts with low THC content to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children. According to this bill, a child needs to be qualified to use marijuana. To do so, he/she must be diagnosed by a state-recognized neurosurgeon with a qualifying type of epilepsy. 
3. House Bill 766: This bill was amended in 2015. This amendment intended to permit the use of hemp extracts as an alternative treatment for children with unmanageable epilepsy. Besides. 
4. 2018 Farm Bill: While not a state law, the federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill, legalized hemp at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. This opens the way for states like North Carolina to establish hemp cultivation programs and regulate CBD products within their borders. 
5. Senate Bill 711: This bill (AKA N.C. Compassionate Care Act) was passed on June 8, 2022. It expands access to medical marijuana in North Carolina. This allows residents to possess a month’s supply of medical marijuana with doctor’s recommendations.

Related Article: CBD Laws by State  

So, Is CBD Legal in North Carolina in 2024? 

The straightforward answer is yes. CBD is legal in North Carolina (N.C) in 2024. In fact, In 1977, North Carolina became the 11th state in the United States to decriminalize marijuana.  

This means that while marijuana possession remained illegal penalties were reduced, and possession of small amounts (0.5 ounces or less) was treated as a civil offense rather than a criminal one.  

However, over time, the state government started to change its approach and became gentler regarding CBD use but not about marijuana. In 2015, 69% of residents in North Carolina supported the legalization of medical marijuana but it faces an undisputed rejection. That’s why the use of cannabis for medical purposes is still very limited in North Carolina. Besides, though the case of the CBD is legal, there are some specific rules and regulations.   

First of all, CBD is legal in North Carolina on two grounds:  

• CBD must be derived from hemp plants. 
• CBD Products can only contain up to 0.3% percent THC. 

So, if the CBD you intend to use comes from hemp plants, it will be considered legal in North Carolina. Besides, it must contain less than 0.3% THC, a psychoactive that makes people high. Having less than 0.3% THC indicates that it won’t cause intoxication. 

Besides, the 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp as Cannabis sativa L. and “any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers,” with no more than a 0.3 percent concentration of THC. 

On the other hand, marijuana is defined as any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3 percent THC. Marijuana is still considered a class 6 substance which is illegal to possess, cultivate, or distribute under the North Carolina Controlled Substance Act as of February 2024. So, if you intend to consume recreational marijuana in North Carolina, you might get yourself into legal trouble. 

Related Article: Is CBD Legal in Michigan?  

Can I Buy CBD Oil in North Carolina?

Yes, you can legally buy CBD oil in North Carolina as long as the oil is derived from hemp plants and contains no more than 0.3% THC. You can find CBD oil in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, and topicals, at stores such as health food stores, vape shops, and online retailers. However, you cannot buy CBD from medical cannabis dispensaries or recreational marijuana dispensaries since the state has no such stores to sell CBD.  

To stay out of trouble with the law, you should make sure that the CBD oil you buy meets these standards. In addition, buying from reputable retailers ensures you’re getting a high-quality product that has been tested for safety and potency.  

What Are North Carolina’s CBD Licensing Requirements?

CBD licensing requirements in North Carolina are straightforward but important to understand: 

1. Industrial Hemp Pilot Program: CBD production falls under the industrial hemp pilot program in North Carolina. This program supervises the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp, including CBD products. 
2. Application Process: Applicants must apply to the industrial hemp commission to obtain the license (If required). The application includes details about their farming operations, research objectives, and compliance with regulations. 
3. Research Purpose: Applicants must select one or more research purposes to address in their applications. These purposes are defined by the program and cover various aspects of hemp cultivation and usage. 
4. Record-keeping: Hemp growers must keep licensing and growing data for a certain time. This involves tracking and destroying volunteer hemp plants and informing authorities of operational changes.

Can You Smoke or Consume CBD in Public in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are no such laws that prohibit smoking or consuming CBD in public. However, it’s a good practice to exercise caution and use common sense when consuming CBD in public settings. 

Though CBD is legal and non-intoxicating, some people may mistake it for marijuana, especially if you smoke hemp flower which looks and smells like weed or marijuana. 

Besides, public perception and local ordinances may vary as well. It’s also important to be respectful to others and considerate of your surroundings. So, at Chill CBD, we strongly advise our customers and readers to avoid consuming CBD in public. This can avoid potential misunderstandings and confrontations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to the legal status of CBD in North Carolina. 

Where to Buy CBD in North Carolina?

Unfortunately, though CBD products are legal in North Carolina, there are no licensed cannabis or marijuana dispensaries there from where you can buy CBD. So, you have to buy CBD products from health food stores, smoke shops, and vape shops. 

How Old Do I Have to Be to Buy CBD in North Carolina?

You need to be at least 18 years of age to buy CBD in North Carolina. This age restriction is for purchasing hemp-derived CBD only. However, the state prohibits the consumption and distribution of marijuana-derived CBD along with recreational cannabis 

Can I Sell CBD Products in North Carolina?

There is no restriction on selling hemp-derived CBD products in North Carolina. However, CBD sellers will be required to acquire a license. 

The Bottom Line: Legal Status of CBD in North Carolina

CBD is legal in North Carolina as long as it is derived from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC. This means that hemp-derived CBD products such as oils, and edibles, are available to purchase and use within the state. However, to be on the safe side, you should ensure that CBD products meet legal requirements. Thus, you can avoid any potential legal issues.