NC Advisory Group Urges For Legally Regulated Cannabis Market
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina could be on the brink of a major change in cannabis policy as a state advisory group urges lawmakers to legalize marijuana for adult use and establish a fully regulated market.
The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis says legalization would bring order to an industry that is already booming, but largely operating in a legal gray area.
Across the state, hemp-derived products — including delta-8 and delta-9 THC — have been widely sold for years under existing hemp laws, often with minimal oversight or consistent regulation.
Business owners say the current system is unsustainable.
“It’s time for North Carolina to really address the issue that we have here,” said Mike Simms, owner of Crowntown Cannabis.
The council’s proposal outlines a structured framework that could include licensing requirements, product testing standards, age restrictions, and taxation on cannabis sales.
Supporters argue that regulation would not only legitimize existing businesses but also curb illegal activity.
“I’ve seen the growth. I’ve seen the stores pop up,” said Todd Joffe, co-owner of FLYT. “It just makes sense to regulate the entire industry, or you’re leaving the door open for the black market to take over — and those tax dollars should be going back to the community.”
Right now, many dispensaries operate under hemp guidelines, allowing them to sell certain THC products without the stricter controls seen in states with legalized marijuana.
If lawmakers move forward with the council’s recommendations, those businesses could face tighter rules — but also gain long-awaited clarity.
“We’ve begged for regulation and guidance around this industry, and to this day, we’re still facing challenges,” Simms said.
The advisory council also highlighted the financial stakes, noting that billions of dollars are already being spent on cannabis in North Carolina — much of it flowing through unregulated or illegal channels. Legalization, members say, would allow the state to capture that revenue and oversee the market more effectively.
However, significant political hurdles remain. Any change in law would require approval from state lawmakers, who have historically been hesitant to advance cannabis legislation, including past efforts to legalize medical marijuana.
Cannabis attorney Natacha Andrews, president of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers, said education will play a critical role as the debate continues.
“April is Cannabis Awareness Month, Marijuana Awareness Month,” Andrews said. “You’re going to see more education, but people should seek out reliable resources to understand what’s really being discussed.”
For now, the council’s recommendation does not change state law — but it signals a growing shift in how North Carolina leaders are beginning to approach cannabis policy.
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