North Carolina remains one of the few states without a medical marijuana program, but growing public support and legislative discussions suggest that change may be on the horizon. A recent poll found that 71% of North Carolina voters support legalizing medical marijuana, with bipartisan backing across the state. While lawmakers have yet to pass a bill, new efforts in 2025 could finally push medical marijuana forward.
With surrounding states moving toward legalization and North Carolinians overwhelmingly in favor, the question remains: Will North Carolina finally establish a medical marijuana program?
North Carolinians Overwhelmingly Support Medical Marijuana
Public support for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina is at an all-time high. A recent Meredith Poll found that 71% of likely voters back legalization, with strong bipartisan support:
78.3% of Democrats support medical marijuana
62.3% of Republicans support medical marijuana
73.3% of unaffiliated voters support medical marijuana
The poll also revealed majority support across most age groups, except for those over 80 years old, where only 40.7% supported legalization. Even among very conservative voters, 62% favored legalization, showing that medical marijuana is no longer a partisan issue—it is a public health issue.
Despite strong public backing, North Carolina lawmakers have repeatedly stalled medical marijuana legislation, leaving patients without legal access to a treatment option that many other states already provide.
Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice for North Carolina
While recreational marijuana legalization remains unlikely, establishing a medical marijuana program should be a priority in North Carolina. Many residents suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and cancer lack legal access to marijuana, despite its proven medical benefits.
A regulated medical marijuana program would provide safe, lab-tested products under doctor supervision, reducing reliance on opioids and illegal sources. States with medical marijuana programs have seen declines in opioid prescriptions and overdoses, proving it to be a safer alternative for pain management.
Legalization would also boost North Carolina’s economy, keeping millions in tax revenue from leaving the state as residents travel to Virginia and South Carolina to purchase marijuana legally. Additionally, it would reduce unnecessary arrests, as Black residents in North Carolina are disproportionately targeted for marijuana possession.
Medical marijuana is not just about patient access, it’s about public health, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reform. By moving forward with legalization, North Carolina can improve healthcare, retain revenue, and create a fairer legal system.
What’s Holding North Carolina Back?
Despite public support, North Carolina lawmakers have yet to pass medical marijuana legislation. The biggest obstacles include:
1. Divided Republican Leadership
While some Republican lawmakers support medical marijuana, there is strong opposition to full legalization. Senate President Phil Berger (R) recently suggested that medical marijuana legislation could advance in 2025, but some House leaders remain hesitant to move forward.
2. Lack of Legislative Action
In 2023, the North Carolina Senate passed a medical marijuana bill, but it failed in the House due to insufficient Republican support. Former House Speaker Tim Moore (R) had supported medical marijuana, but a chamber rule required at least 37 Republican votes for the bill to reach the floor.
3. Ongoing Debates Over Regulation
Some lawmakers propose strict regulations, such as state-run dispensaries and heavy restrictions on qualifying conditions, making compromise difficult. Others want to tie medical marijuana legislation to tighter hemp restrictions, which could further complicate the process.
With leadership changes and growing support, 2025 could finally be the year medical marijuana passes, but challenges remain.
Will 2025 Bring Change?
Despite past failures, North Carolina lawmakers are expected to revisit medical marijuana in 2025. Several potential paths could push legalization forward. Lawmakers may introduce a compromise bill with strict regulations, such as limited dispensary licenses, state-run dispensaries, and restrictions on high-potency products.
Public awareness and advocacy efforts could also play a key role. With 71% of voters in favor, increasing public pressure could force lawmakers to act. Additionally, incremental reforms, such as decriminalization and limited medical access, could serve as stepping stones toward full legalization.
If medical marijuana is legalized, North Carolina would likely implement a highly regulated program. Patients would need a qualifying medical condition, and only licensed doctors could recommend marijuana. Approved forms would likely include tinctures, oils, and edibles, with smoking and vaping prohibited. The state would also limit the number of dispensaries and tightly regulate production to prevent misuse.
While full recreational legalization remains unlikely, momentum for medical marijuana is stronger than ever. If North Carolina moves forward, its program would likely be more restrictive than neighboring states but still provide essential access for patients in need.
Summary
North Carolina is one of the few remaining states without a medical marijuana program, despite overwhelming public support. While previous efforts have stalled in the House, 2025 could bring renewed discussions and legislative action.
With growing bipartisan support, economic incentives, and increasing public pressure, North Carolina lawmakers have more reason than ever to pass medical marijuana. The question is: Will they finally listen to voters?
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!