The Future of Medical Marijuana in North Carolina

North Carolina has been slow to move on marijuana reform, especially compared to neighboring states that already allow medical use. While many residents are eager for change, the state still does not have a medical marijuana program in place.

With new legislation being introduced, strong public support, and the creation of a state advisory council, the conversation around legalization is heating up. Patients and families are asking: Will medical marijuana finally become a reality in North Carolina?

Where Things Stand Today

Right now, marijuana is not legalized for medical use statewide. Only very limited hemp-derived products with low THC and higher CBD content are permitted for certain conditions, such as severe epilepsy. These products do not provide the same options or access that patients in other states enjoy.

There is one important exception: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has established a medical marijuana dispensary on the Qualla Boundary, and recreational sales have also been approved on tribal land. While this does not apply across North Carolina, it does show how attitudes toward marijuana are shifting within the state.

Legislative Efforts in Progress

Several bills have been introduced that could change North Carolina’s approach to marijuana:

• The Compassionate Care Act would create a statewide medical marijuana program, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access regulated products through licensed dispensaries. It was most recently introduced during the 2025 legislative session and is still under consideration.

• House Bill 984, also introduced in 2025, focuses on expanding medical research, particularly around how marijuana can be studied and evaluated in clinical settings. This bill aims to give doctors and researchers a clearer understanding of marijuana’s therapeutic potential.

• House Bill 413, the Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act, was filed in early 2025. It takes a broader approach, proposing not just medical access but full legalization of marijuana for adults, along with regulations, licensing, and taxation.

While these proposals signal momentum, the legislative process in North Carolina has been slow. Bills have gained support in the Senate, but progress often stalls in the House of Representatives. In recent years, medical marijuana bills have passed the Senate more than once, only to be held up in the House without moving to a final vote. Unless the House takes action during the 2026 legislative session, patients may be waiting until future sessions before real progress is made.

The Governor’s Advisory Council

In June 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order creating the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis. This council has been tasked with studying how marijuana could be safely regulated in the state, including:

• Setting up rules for product safety and labeling

• Protecting children and preventing underage use

• Reviewing public health and law enforcement concerns

• Considering options for expungement of past simple possession charges

The council is expected to deliver preliminary recommendations in 2026, followed by a final report later that year. These findings will likely guide how lawmakers shape a medical marijuana program.

What North Carolinians Think

Public opinion is one of the strongest forces pushing for change. Polling shows overwhelming support for medical marijuana, with a majority of residents, across political lines, saying that patients should have the right to access marijuana if their doctor believes it could help.

Despite this support, political differences have slowed progress. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about regulation and public safety. However, as more states adopt medical marijuana programs and more evidence of patient benefits becomes available, the pressure to act continues to grow.

What’s Next for North Carolina

The future of medical marijuana in North Carolina will likely unfold in phases:

1. Advisory Council Recommendations: Expected in 2026, these will provide a framework for lawmakers

2. Legislative Action: A bill could be passed by the Senate, then move to the House for debate

3. Program Development: If a law is approved, the state would need time to set up patient registries, licensing for dispensaries, and product regulations before sales could begin

This process could take months or even years after legalization is passed. For now, many residents are keeping a close eye on each marijuanas legalized N.C. update, waiting for signs of real progress. You can stay informed by checking back on our blogs, where we’ll continue to share the latest news, legislative updates, and what it all means for patients in North Carolina.

Final Thoughts

So, is medical marijuana coming to North Carolina soon? The answer is: change is on the horizon, but patience is required. With strong public support, multiple bills in play, and the governor’s advisory council already at work, the state is closer than ever to legalizing medical marijuana. The exact timeline remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: North Carolina is moving toward a future where patients will finally have safe, legal access to marijuana. 

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

Although medical marijuana is still not legal in North Carolina, it may be legalized soon! You should be sure you are prepared for the program to become operational as soon as possible. In order to do this, you will need to get your medical marijuana card.

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 fully operational.

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!

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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 reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!