37 states have now established their own medical marijuana program, and 21 states have legalized cannabis entirely. However, North Carolina remains one of the states with strict policies against cannabis users.
There is an extremely limited medical marijuana law which allows some people access to marijuana but with very low THC limits. There is so much progress to be made for North Carolina if they want to bring safe access to cannabis to the hundreds of thousands of people who could benefit from it.
North Carolina has extremely strict laws against possession, sale, and consumption of cannabis. However, they recently made some progress by decriminalizing possession of .5 ounces of marijuana possession.
This is the definition of baby steps, as .5 ounces is such a small amount of cannabis. The good news is, it is still progress, and we hope to see the state continue in the direction of legalization of cannabis products.
North Carolina’s Medical Marijuana Program
North Carolina’s program is minimal at best. There is only one condition that makes a person eligible for medical marijuana in the state, and that is intractable epilepsy. Patients with intractable epilepsy are allowed to use and possess hemp extracts with less than .9% THC and at least 5% CBD.
THC is the most powerful of all of marijuana’s cannabinoids in many ways. THC is psychoactive, but it also has more healing properties than any other cannabinoid, making it best for chronic pain among many other things.
.9% THC is next to nothing. Most states with medical marijuana programs also have 25+ conditions that would make a person eligible for medicinal use including cancer, AIDS, MS, and more.
There is no purchasing marijuana in the State of North Carolina, so if a person with intractable epilepsy does qualify, they are forced to go out of state to purchase their medicine. This is tricky, because not all states allow out-of-state patients.
As you can see, the program is extremely restrictive and makes cannabis very hard to access for those who do qualify. For these reasons, North Carolina is not considered to have legalized medical marijuana.
Current State Laws
North Carolina has partially decriminalized possession of marijuana, but only of a half an ounce or less. People who are caught with less than half an ounce of cannabis will not be responsible for jail time, but it is a misdemeanor and there are fines that may accompany the charge.
Possession of cannabis in the amount of one ounce to an ounce in a half is punishable by up to 45 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of an ounce and a half to less than 10 pounds is considered a Class I felony.
The maximum sentence for possession of an ounce and a half up to 10 pounds is one year. Cultivation and sale of this same amount of cannabis is also considered a Class I felony and carries the same punishments.
Push for Marijuana Legalization By Contacting Your Lawmakers
If you want to see medical marijuana come to North Carolina, reach out to your lawmakers and let them know! You can send emails or letters as well as calling them over the phone to ensure your voice is heard.
The legalization of medical cannabis in North Carolina is inevitable, but if you want to speed up the process, contacting your lawmakers is the best way to do this.
Be first in line for North Carolina’s medical marijuana program when it becomes active.
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our compassionate doctors just as soon as North Carolina’s medical marijuana market is official.
You and your new doctor will meet virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. You’ll learn all about how medical marijuana may be able to help your conditions, without even leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!