NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE STATUS
North Carolina does not currently have a statewide commercial medical or adult-use marijuana program. The state does, however, allow limited use and possession of certain hemp extracts for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
The state of North Carolina legalized low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis in 2015, through a Legislative ballot, House Bill 766, but failed to establish a state-wide dispensary system for patients to legally access CBD products.
Medical and adult-use marijuana sales are available on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Qualla Boundary under a separate tribal regulatory framework. These operations are distinct from North Carolina state law and do not authorize marijuana sales elsewhere in the state.
North Carolina lawmakers are currently considering several proposals related to cannabis. House Bill 1011, the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, would establish a regulated medical cannabis program and authorize 10 medical cannabis supplier licenses, with each supplier permitted to operate up to eight medical cannabis centers. The bill remains in the House Rules Committee. House Bill 413 proposes legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis, while Senate Bill 1072 proposes constitutional amendments concerning limited personal possession and medical use of cannabis. None of these proposals has been enacted.
To learn more, contact us.
News
NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESS LICENSES
Currently, the state of North Carolina does not have a state-wide regulated dispensary system.
In June 2025, Governor Josh Stein established the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis to develop recommendations for a comprehensive statewide approach to cannabis regulation. The Council is evaluating issues including market structure, licensing and regulation, public health and safety, taxation, enforcement, and other components of a potential regulated cannabis market. The Council approved an interim report in April 2026 and continues to develop recommendations through several working subcommittees. Its final recommendations are due to the Governor by December 31, 2026 and may include proposed legislation for consideration by the General Assembly. As of September 2026, the Council’s Market and Regulatory Subcommittee is actively developing cannabis licensing recommendations.
HOW TO START A MARIJUANA BUSINESS IN NORTH CAROLINA
To obtain a marijuana business license in North Carolina, you will be required to submit an application. As part of the application, some of the plans you may need to include the following:
- Security Plan.
- Environmental Impact Plan.
- Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan.
- Business History Plan.
- Financial Plan.
- Community Benefits Plan.
- Research Plan.
- Cultivation, Manufacturing and/or Dispensing Plan.
- Labor Compliance Plan.
- Staffing and Training Plan.
Schedule for a complimentary 15-min consult with our licensing/application team to learn more about how we may be able to assist you.
NORTH CAROLINA PROGRAM TIMELINE
2015 – North Carolina legalized low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis
June 2025 - Governor established the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis to develop recommendations for a comprehensive statewide approach to cannabis regulation.
December 31, 2026 - Recommendations from the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis are due to the Governor. These may include proposed legislation for consideration by the General Assembly
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
"Cannabis Business Advisors is a world-class company. Their tactical and strategic knowledge will guide any business to success. CB Advisors' advice and counsel played a key role in making Strive Life the only locally awarded dispensary in North Dakota."
Dispensary Owner, Strive Life Grand Forks"SARA’S SUCCESS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. OUR COMPANY CONTINUES TO ENGAGE SARA FOR ONGOING CONSULTING AND HER ADVICE REMAINS SOLID AND RELEVANT TO OUR GROWTH."
Owner, Firefly Dispensaries in Pennsylvania."WORKING WITH SARA WAS A PLEASURE. WE DON’T KNOW HOW WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS WITHOUT HER."
Arizona Vertically Integrated Facility Owner"Sara reduced much of the management team’s stress by her knowledge, execution, resolving conflicts, and firm but confident approach."
Chairman, Solevo Wellness"Sara’s success speaks for itself. Our company continues to engage Sara for ongoing consulting and her advice remains solid and relevant to our growth."
Owner, Firefly Dispensaries in Pennsylvania."Working with Sara was a pleasure. We don’t know how we would have gotten through the application process without her."
Arizona Vertically Integrated Facility Owner