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North Carolina Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker | Glamorous Hemp
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North Carolina Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Stay informed about NC's evolving hemp and cannabis laws

Current Legislation Overview

North Carolina's hemp and cannabis legislation has undergone significant changes in recent years. This page tracks the evolving legal landscape, current status of various cannabinoids, and provides resources for stakeholders in the hemp industry.

North Carolina originally aligned with federal law following the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, state legislation has since evolved with various amendments and regulatory changes affecting the legal status of hemp and its derivatives.

Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Laws and regulations regarding hemp and cannabis are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.

Legislative Timeline

Track the evolution of hemp and cannabis legislation in North Carolina:

2014

Federal Farm Bill allows states to implement hemp research programs, though North Carolina does not immediately participate.

2015

North Carolina passes SB 313, creating the Industrial Hemp Commission and establishing the state's Industrial Hemp Pilot Program.

2018

Federal Farm Bill legalizes hemp nationwide, removing it from the controlled substances list. NC begins aligning state law with federal regulations.

2019

Senate Bill 352 transfers authority from the Industrial Hemp Commission to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

2022

North Carolina's hemp program fully transitions to align with USDA regulations. SB 455 removes hemp from the state's controlled substances list.

2023

Ongoing discussions about regulating cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, which exist in a legal gray area under current state law.

2024

House Bill 573 proposed to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, addressing concerns about products like Delta-8 THC.

Cannabinoid Legal Status in North Carolina

The legal status of various cannabinoids in North Carolina is complex and continues to evolve. Below is a comprehensive reference chart of the current legal status as of our last update:

Cannabinoid Legal Status Notes
CBD (Cannabidiol) Legal Legal when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
CBG (Cannabigerol) Legal Legal when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
CBN (Cannabinol) Legal Legal when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC Restricted Legal only when derived from hemp and present in concentration of less than 0.3% by dry weight
Delta-8 THC Gray Area Currently in a legal gray area; not specifically prohibited by state law but remains controversial
Delta-10 THC Gray Area Similar to Delta-8, exists in a legal gray area with potential for regulation
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) Gray Area Not specifically addressed in state law; potentially subject to future regulation
THCO (THC-O-Acetate) Likely Illegal Considered a synthetic cannabinoid; DEA stated in 2022 that it does not occur naturally
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) Gray Area Not specifically addressed in state law; potentially subject to future regulation
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) Legal Legal when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
Marijuana-derived Cannabinoids Illegal Any cannabinoids derived from marijuana (cannabis with >0.3% Delta-9 THC) remain illegal

North Carolina Cannabinoid Legality Infographic

Cannabinoid Legal Status in North Carolina

Legal Cannabinoids

  • CBD (Cannabidiol)
  • CBG (Cannabigerol)
  • CBN (Cannabinol)
  • CBC (Cannabichromene)
  • THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
  • CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

Gray Area / Restricted

  • Delta-8 THC
  • Delta-10 THC
  • HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
  • THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
  • Delta-9 THC (<0.3% concentration)

Likely Illegal

  • THCO (THC-O-Acetate)
  • Delta-9 THC (>0.3% concentration)
  • All marijuana-derived cannabinoids
  • Synthetic cannabinoids

Note: Legal status may change as legislation evolves. Last updated [Current Date].

Key Regulations & Requirements

Hemp Production

Hemp-Derived Products

Hemp Processing

North Carolina Hemp Resources

Government Resources

Industry Organizations

Research & Education