North Carolina permits patients with intractable epilepsy to possess and use CBD extract containing less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD under the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act (2014, amended 2015 via HB 766). Patients must register with the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The program has no in-state production or dispensary infrastructure. Governor Josh Stein established a bipartisan Cannabis Advisory Council in 2025, tasked with delivering comprehensive policy recommendations by March 2026, potentially paving the way for broader medical or recreational legalization. The NC Compassionate Care Act (H1011) was filed in the 2025-26 session but has not advanced. Hemp-derived CBD products are broadly available under the 2018 Farm Bill, though law enforcement has cited difficulties distinguishing hemp from cannabis.
Ask the Expert about North CarolinaN.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-113.101 et seq. (Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act, 2014; amended HB 766, 2015)
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)