The Path to Marijuana Legalization in North Carolina: Is It Coming Soon?

As conversations around marijuana reform continue to grow nationwide, many patients are wondering when North Carolina will finally move forward with legalization. While progress has been slow, recent developments, including a newly formed state advisory council, suggest that meaningful change could be just around the corner. 

With public support at an all-time high and new legislation on the table, North Carolina may be closer than ever to launching a regulated medical marijuana program. Here's what you need to know about where things stand and how you can prepare now.

A Long-Awaited Shift

North Carolina remains one of the few states in the country without a statewide medical marijuana program. While the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has already opened a dispensary for both medical and adult-use marijuana sales on tribal land, the rest of the state is still waiting for structured access. 

As unregulated THC products become more accessible across North Carolina, state officials have started to take action. In June 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order establishing a State Advisory Council on Marijuana to explore a safer, more responsible path toward regulation. The goal is clear: create a well-regulated medical marijuana market that protects young people, educates adults, and ensures the safety of all consumers.

Where the Legislation Stands

Efforts to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina have been ongoing for years. In both 2022 and 2023, medical marijuana legislation passed the state Senate with bipartisan support, only to stall in the House due to internal rules and lack of a formal vote. More recently, a broader recreational bill, House Bill 413, was introduced in early 2025, proposing full legalization for adult use along with taxation and licensing systems. While this bill is still under review, it reflects growing support for marijuana reform across the state. With lawmakers, advocates, and the public increasingly aligned, North Carolina appears closer than ever to taking the next step to medical marijuana legalization.

The Advisory Council’s Role

The newly formed advisory council brings together a diverse group of voices, including representatives from public health, law enforcement, state agencies, the legislature, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Their mission is to study the marijuana landscape and offer policy recommendations that prioritize health, safety, and accountability. 

The council is expected to deliver its first set of recommendations by March 2026, with final proposals due by the end of that year. Among the key areas of focus are setting potency limits, regulating sales and access, preventing youth usage, ensuring accurate product labeling, and determining how tax revenue should be used. Their work is expected to directly influence how a future medical marijuana program will operate in the state.

Public Support and Growing Momentum

Polling consistently shows strong support for medical marijuana in North Carolina. Recent surveys reveal that more than 80% of North Carolinians favor legalizing marijuana for medical use. This widespread backing crosses political lines, age groups, and geographic regions.

Combined with growing awareness of marijuana’s therapeutic benefits and evolving federal attitudes, public opinion continues to push the state closer to legalization. Lawmakers are responding, and the groundwork being laid now could lead to a comprehensive medical marijuana program within the next year or two.

How We Can Help You

At North Carolina Marijuana Card, we’re preparing now so we can support patients the moment a program becomes official. Once North Carolina finalizes its rules and opens up legal access, we’ll be ready to guide you through the entire approval process, from booking your evaluation to receiving your medical marijuana card. We’re excited to help you get approved as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, you can reserve your appointment today to receive $25 off your evaluation once appointments begin.

What’s Next for North Carolina

Change is on the horizon. With the advisory council working toward clear policy recommendations and momentum building at both the state and federal levels, North Carolina is well on its way to establishing a medical marijuana program. The pieces are coming together, and while the exact timeline is still unfolding, it shouldn't be much longer.

If you're ready to take the first step, we’re here to help. Reserve your appointment today and be among the first in line when the program launches!

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!