North Carolina remains one of the few states in the country without a medical marijuana program, but that could change soon. With growing bipartisan support and new legislative discussions in 2025, medical marijuana legalization is becoming a more realistic possibility for the Tar Heel State. However, political hurdles and ongoing debates continue to slow progress. Could this be the year North Carolina finally legalizes medical marijuana?
Current Marijuana Laws in North Carolina
As of 2025, marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use in North Carolina. The state has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country, with possession of even a small amount considered a criminal offense.
First-time possession of half an ounce or less: Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200.
Possession of more than half an ounce: Can lead to jail time and steeper penalties.
Sale, cultivation, and distribution: Considered felonies with severe punishments.
The only exception is the state’s limited CBD program, which allows patients with intractable epilepsy to access low-THC CBD oil. However, this program is highly restrictive and does not provide access to full-spectrum medical marijuana products that could benefit patients with chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, and other debilitating conditions.
Growing Support for Medical Marijuana Legalization in North Carolina
Despite the state’s strict stance on marijuana, public opinion is shifting. Multiple polls indicate that an overwhelming majority of North Carolina residents support legalizing medical marijuana.
A 2024 Meredith College Poll found that 73% of North Carolinians support medical marijuana legalization.
The state’s business community has also shown interest, recognizing the potential economic benefits of a regulated marijuana industry.
Many lawmakers, including some Republicans, have publicly acknowledged that medical marijuana should be legal.
This growing support is putting pressure on legislators to act, leading to renewed discussions in the 2025 session.
Will Lawmakers Finally Act?
North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature has historically been the biggest roadblock to medical marijuana legalization. However, this year, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) acknowledged that “there’s an opportunity” to advance medical marijuana legislation.
This follows the North Carolina Senate’s approval of a medical marijuana bill in 2024, which ultimately stalled in the House. The bill, known as the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, would have allowed patients with qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana through a tightly regulated system.
Some key provisions of that bill included:
A limited number of dispensaries licensed by the state.
Strict qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Physician approval requirements and a statewide patient registry.
A ban on smokable flower, allowing only oils, tinctures, and other regulated products.
Now, as lawmakers return for the 2025 session, many are pushing to revive the bill, potentially adding new provisions to gain broader support.
A Factor in the Medical Marijuana Debate
One issue complicating the medical marijuana debate is the rise of hemp-derived products, such as Delta-8 THC and THC-A, which are legal under federal law and widely available across North Carolina.
Some lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Rabon, a key advocate for medical marijuana, has suggested that any new legislation should include restrictions on unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoids. The concern is that products like Delta-8 THC, which have psychoactive effects similar to traditional marijuana, are not subject to the same safety regulations as medical marijuana.
By addressing hemp regulations and medical marijuana in a single bill, lawmakers may have a better chance of pushing through legalization in 2025.
Challenges in the House
While the North Carolina Senate has shown more willingness to advance medical marijuana, the House of Representatives remains a major obstacle.
Former House Speaker Tim Moore (R) previously supported medical marijuana but said the chamber’s unwritten rule requires at least 37 Republican votes before a bill can move forward. Current House Speaker Rep. Destin Hall (R) has voiced opposition to legalization, making it unclear whether he will allow a vote.
However, pressure is building. Advocates are urging lawmakers to follow the lead of neighboring states like Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, which have all made progress in medical marijuana legalization.
The Economic and Health Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Program
Legalizing medical marijuana in North Carolina would have significant benefits for patients and the economy.
1. Relief for Patients with Chronic Conditions
Patients suffering from conditions like cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain could greatly benefit from medical marijuana. Research shows that marijuana is a safe, effective alternative to opioids, reducing dependence on addictive painkillers.
2. Boosting North Carolina’s Economy
A regulated medical marijuana market would generate millions in tax revenue and create thousands of jobs in cultivation, processing, and retail. Neighboring states with legal markets are already benefiting, and North Carolina is missing out.
3. Keeping Revenue in the State
Currently, many North Carolinians travel to Virginia or South Carolina to buy marijuana legally. If the state legalizes medical marijuana, it could keep that money in-state instead of losing it to neighboring markets.
The Path Forward for Medical Marijuana in North Carolina
With strong public support and some momentum in the Senate, medical marijuana legalization has a chance in 2025. However, it will depend on whether House Republicans are willing to negotiate.
Steps to Watch:
New legislation is expected to be introduced in the 2025 session.
Bipartisan negotiations will be key to securing enough votes in the House.
Governor Roy Cooper (D) has expressed support for medical marijuana and would likely sign a bill into law if it reaches his desk.
If lawmakers fail to act, advocates may push for a public referendum, though North Carolina currently does not allow voter-initiated ballot measures like other states.
Is 2025 the Year North Carolina Legalizes Medical Marijuana?
North Carolina is at a critical turning point in the fight for medical marijuana legalization. With strong public support, increasing bipartisan interest, and successful programs in neighboring states, the pressure on lawmakers is higher than ever.
While challenges remain, the momentum in the Senate and shifting opinions among some House Republicans suggest that medical marijuana could become a reality in North Carolina sooner rather than later. For now, advocates must continue pushing lawmakers to act, because for thousands of patients across the state, medical marijuana isn’t just a political debate, it’s a necessity.
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!
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!