Recent talks among North Carolina legislators show progress toward a robust medical marijuana program in the state, with an expanded list of qualifying conditions. But the current program leaves a lot to be desired.
Only people suffering from intractable epilepsy are currently eligible to have access to medical marijuana under the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Care Act. This means they are allowed to purchase hemp product extracts that contain less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD.
However, there are currently no state-licensed dispensaries that can even provide medical cannabis products to qualifying patients. Instead, qualifying NC patients have to go to dispensaries in other states that accept out-of-state patients to purchase their medical marijuana.
*If this is something you are considering doing, keep in mind that while it may be legal to purchase and use medical marijuana in other states, it is Federally illegal to cross state lines with any marijuana products.
If you have noticed that there are CBD and hemp stores in North Carolina, you may have a couple of questions:
How are there CBD and hemp stores in North Carolina?
What’s the difference between hemp, THC and marijuana?
We’ve got the answers with everything you need to know about CBD, hemp, and delta-8 THC, and how they differ from medical marijuana and the delta-9 THC that everyone knows and loves.
Defining Cannabis Terms: Plants and Cannabinoids
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to the definitions of hemp, marijuana, THC and CBD. Let’s break it down little by little so it’s not as confusing!
Hemp and Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are actually the same species of plant! They are two different names for cannabis. The law is the main reason why the two have very different privileges. The key difference between the two is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. THC, a cannabinoid or chemical found in the cannabis plant, is the ingredient that is responsible for the “high” when using cannabis.
Hemp contains 0.3% or less THC content by dry weight (basis for expressing the percentage after removing the moisture from the substance). Because the THC level is so low, it’s not very likely that you’ll get high.
Marijuana, weed, kush, whatever you want to call it is the cannabis that gets you high. The THC content varies from strain to strain. Higher THC content does not always mean that there will be stronger effects. This is because there are so many different components that go into cannabis that affect how you feel when using it.
CBD, or Cannabidiol
CBD, cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent ingredient of cannabis (marijuana). It is derived from the hemp plant and is an essential component of medical marijuana. CBD alone will not give you the “high” you might be looking for.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 is another product that people have been learning about. Delta-8 THC, short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is very similar to delta-9 THC, which is the main compound in cannabis that gets you high. Delta-8 gives off similar effects as Delta-9, the compound that causes the happy, euphoric and symptom relief feelings, but is less potent.
There are different opinions surrounding this product. Right now Delta-8 THC is legal in many states, but laws vary. These products are also not regulated by the FDA. Therefore there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of this product.
Defining Cannabis Terms: Products Cannabis Topicals
Topicals are cannabis infused oils, balms and lotions that can be absorbed through the skin. They help to alleviate pain, inflammation and soreness in localized areas. People who use topicals usually want the benefits of marijuana but don’t want to use the other ways to consume marijuana (edibles, smoking, pills, capsules).
Cannabis Tinctures
CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extracts. They are used to treat pain and can be put in food/drinks for consumption!
Legality Questions and Concerns
Delta-8 is legal in North Carolina! You are allowed to use hemp based products in the state. We do advise you to get your North Carolina Marijuana Card as soon as possible so you are eligible to buy marijuana products when medical marijuana is legalized in the future!
For now, you must be 18 years old and have a state ID to shop at hemp/CBD stores in North Carolina.
List of CBD/Hemp Shops in NC
There are actually quite a few shops in the state where you can get a variety of different products! These dispensaries do NOT sell marijuana products but instead hemp, Delta-8 THC and CBD products. We do want to caution people to be very careful when purchasing these products since they are not currently regulated and are in a legal grey area.
You could end up with a tainted or mislabeled product, or law enforcement may mistake your products for marijuana.
Located in Charlotte, NC. You are allowed to go into the shop or order online! They do have different rules on shipping depending on what products you purchase.
This CBD boutique carries a variety of different hemp-based products. Delta-8 THC gummies/candies/seltzers, CBGA oil, CBD capsules, CBD flower and so much more! They even have CBD treats for dogs!
Located in Raleigh, NC. They have in-store shopping, curbside pickup and free same day delivery (if you qualify)!
They have different CBD, Delta 8, topicals, and soft gel products! They have Delta-8 edibles, vapes, flowers and tinctures.
Located in Durham, NC and Cary, NC. They offer in store shopping.
They pride themselves on having the best smokable hemp products in addition to Delta-8 THC, edibles, tinctures, beverages, and more!
Three locations: Raleigh, Wake Forest and Chapel Hill. They offer free delivery (if you qualify), and you can order online!
They have cartridges, edibles, topicals, accessories and more.
What Your Next Step Should Be
We always recommend that you do your research about these products before purchasing items from dispensaries to ensure that they are high quality and help your needs.
At minimum, you should look for a certificate of analysis (COA) on every product you purchase. When you shop for unregulated hemp products, it’s also best to make sure your purchases come from a company that is readily available to thoroughly answer all your questions.
You can always contact a dispensary in your area beforehand or call North Carolina Marijuana Card at (833) 781-7320 where we offer live support 6 days a week! We want to make sure you are safe and have the knowledge you need when buying CBD, THC or Delta-8 products.
While medical marijuana is not yet legal in the Tar Heel State, you can reserve your marijuana evaluation appointment with us today! When you do, you’ll get $25 off your first marijuana evaluation when the time comes.
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 stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (number), or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out North Carolina Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in North Carolina!