North Carolina Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a Low-THC, Medical CBD program. Cannabis extracts containing less than nine-tenths of one percent THC and at least five percent CBD by weight may be recommended for those with intractable epilepsy. Under the NC Compassionate Care Act (SB 711), those suffering from chronic conditions like cancer, Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS) may also qualify.

What are the medical marijuana laws in North Carolina?

Cannabis is illegal in North Carolina for any usage, whether medical or not. Possession of 0.5 ounces (a half-ounce) or less is decriminalized. There was a failed attempt at legalization of medical marijuana in 2014, but it failed. In 2015, Governor Pat McCrory signed into law HB 766, allowing those with intractable epilepsy to use CBD oil. In 2017, North Carolina legalized hemp.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina?

The North Carolina law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle cell anemia or other sickle cell diseases
• Severe or persistent nausea who is not pregnant that is related to end-of-life or hospice care, or who is bedridden or homebound because of a condition.
• Any other serious medical condition or its treatment added by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board.

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in North Carolina?

In order to qualify for medical CBD in North Carolina (NC), you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
  • Patients under 18 years of age must have parental consent
• Have a current diagnosis of a qualifying condition
• Be a resident of North Carolina with proof of residency (valid driver’s license or state ID card
• Hold an official written certification from a physician
  • It is possible to get certified online for medical cannabis in NC. You’ll need to book an appointment for a medical marijuana evaluation, attend your consultation and get certified. You’ll need valid ID and proof of address, and then send in your certification with an application form in order to get an NC medical marijuana card.

To legally use and access medical cannabis, qualifying patients would obtain a registry identification card from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in North Carolina?

Telehealth/telemedicine is not yet available for online medical marijuana consultations in North Carolina.

How much cannabis can I possess in North Carolina with an MMJ Card?

Patients could possess up to a 30-day supply, as determined by their physician. Cannabis extracts must contain less than nine-tenths of one percent THC and at least five percent CBD by weight.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in North Carolina?

It is not legal to grow or cultivate cannabis in North Carolina.

Does North Carolina accept out-of-state cards?

Out-of-state medical marijuana patients are not recognized by the state of North Carolina.

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in North Carolina?

As the medical cannabis program only accepts low-THC, CBD-only medications as legal, a positive drug test for cannabis should hopefully be unlikely (but potentially still possible). Sadly, there are no specific protections protecting employees for medical cannabis usage as of yet in North Carolina.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in North Carolina?

There are no specific testing requirements for medical cannabis or CBD in place as of yet in North Carolina.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in North Carolina?

North Carolina currently does not have any medical marijuana dispensaries. This means that North Carolina medical marijuana patients need to purchase their medicine in another state that allows out-of-state medical marijuana cards, the closest one being Pennsylvania.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in North Carolina?

It is generally best to keep cannabis use – even medical cannabis – out of public wherever possible, as you do not want to attract any undue attention to yourself, In all states with a medical marijuana program, using cannabis is prohibited in federal buildings or federal land, places of employment, or places where children are expected to be (e.g. schools, playgrounds). It is best to keep cannabis use to the privacy of your own home.