North Carolina Cannabis Laws

(NC)
DecriminalizedUpdated December 6, 2025

North Carolina has decriminalized small amounts. A limited CBD program exists for epilepsy. Medical cannabis legislation pending.

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Key Statistics

Decriminalized
Legal Status

Quick Facts

Recreational

Not Legal

Medical

Not Legal

CBD Program

CBD from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal. Limited epilepsy CBD program exists.

Penalties & Enforcement

Under 0.5 oz: Class 3 misdemeanor (decriminalized). Over 0.5 oz: Class 1 misdemeanor

Federal vs. North Carolina Law

Important: Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, regardless of state legalization.

Federal Law

Illegal (Schedule I)

All cannabis possession, sale, and cultivation is prohibited

North Carolina Law

Decriminalized

Reduced penalties for possession

What this means: While North Carolina has not fully legalized cannabis, federal agencies can still enforce federal law. This affects banking, interstate commerce, federal employment, and travel across state lines or through federal lands.

North Carolina Cannabis Law FAQ

Marijuana is decriminalized for small amounts (under 0.5 oz) but not legal.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, visit the official state resource:

North Carolina Official Cannabis Website

Sources

North Carolina (NC)

Quick Reference Card

Decriminalized
Recreational

Not Legal

Medical

Not Legal

Last verified: December 6, 2025cannabislaw.munchmakers.com
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