North Carolina has not yet adopted a full medical cannabis program, leaving many residents unsure about what forms of weed are legally permitted under state law. This page explains the current legal status of medical marijuana in North Carolina, including limited CBD allowances, proposed legislation, and how cannabis laws may change in the future. For a complete breakdown of cannabis laws by location—including U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide—visit our Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in North Carolina ?
(As of June 2025)
Current Legal Status
- Not Fully Legal: North Carolina does not have a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
- Only CBD Allowed: Legal use is restricted to hemp-derived CBD oil for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Permitted Use
- Under House Bill 766 (2015):
- CBD oil must contain <0.9% THC and ≥5% CBD.
- Use is limited to patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
- Must be recommended by a neurologist affiliated with a registered hospital.
No Medical Marijuana Program
- No dispensaries.
- No patient registry.
- No legal protection for broader medical use (e.g., for cancer, PTSD, MS).
Recent Legislative Efforts
- Senate Bill 3 (Compassionate Care Act):
- Passed the state Senate in 2023.
- Stalled in the House of Representatives due to political opposition.
- Proposed expanding access for conditions like cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Public Opinion
- Polls show majority support among North Carolinians for medical marijuana legalization.
Recreational Use
- Still illegal.
- Possession of <0.5 oz = misdemeanor (fine, no jail).
- Larger amounts = felony charges possible.
Bottom Line
- Medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina beyond narrow CBD use for epilepsy.
- Comprehensive legalization efforts remain in progress but not enacted.
