Is CBD Legal In North Carolina? Updated for 2024 Laws
Navigating the legality of CBD in North Carolina involves understanding both federal and state laws. While CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal, anything exceeding that limit may fall under more restrictive marijuana regulations. Consumers in North Carolina can freely purchase CBD products ranging from oils and gummies to topicals and capsules. That said, staying informed about licensing and testing requirements ensures you only buy high-quality, compliant products.
North Carolina CBD Laws
North Carolina’s CBD laws are shaped by several key regulations. Starting in 2014, House Bill 1220 allowed the use of hemp extracts with less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD to treat drug-resistant epil*psy in children diagnosed by state-recognized neurosurgeons. This initially restricted use to pilot studies, but HB 766 in 2015 removed this requirement, enabling participants to continue alternative therapies with higher-THC CBD. The 2018 federal Farm Bill further legalized hemp nationwide, removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and delegating regulatory powers to the USDA, while states like North Carolina could establish their own frameworks. North Carolina aligned with these changes via Senate Bill 313 in 2015, which authorized the Industrial Hemp Commission to regulate hemp cultivation, and amendments like HB 992 in 2016 refined the state’s program. Despite no specific licensing requirements to sell CBD in the state, sellers must adhere to various local and federal rules, including keeping THC levels below 0.3%.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana, and is celebrated for its potential health benefits. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high” like THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Under North Carolina CBD laws, CBD products derived from industrial hemp are legal provided they contain less than 0.3% THC. These products are widely used in various forms, such as oils, tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals. As CBD products grow in popularity, consumers should ensure they purchase products tested for quality and legal compliance.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are two cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, with Delta 9 being the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.” Delta 8 produces similar effects but is typically reported to be less potent. Under North Carolina law, Delta 9 THC levels in hemp-derived products must remain within federally allowed thresholds, whereas Delta 8 products require caution as regulatory clarity is still developing. Consumers seeking these products in North Carolina should verify the THC content and ensure compliance with local and federal regulations.
Where to Buy CBD in North Carolina
With all the new CBD companies and products hitting the shelves, it is even more important to purchase from reputable CBD companies – like Stirling CBD that stand behind their products.
In addition, look for companies that supply independent, third-party laboratory testing of their CBD products and transparent manufacturing processes.
Always buy CBD products that clearly state how much of the active ingredient (cannabidiol) is present in the product and look for companies with open and transparent return policies for their CBD products.
Stirling CBD stocks a wide variety of premium CBD products, all of which are available online in North Carolina – all with fast delivery.
The versatility of CBD makes it ideal for a variety of different delivery methods, including CBD oils, CBD tinctures, CBD Capsules, CBD edibles, and CBD balms.
While the initial studies and anecdotal evidence from people who have used CBD look extremely promising, more clinical trials are required before making any specific medical claims about CBD.
What works for one person may not work for another, and no two people or their conditions are alike.
Is CBD Legal?
N.C. General Assembly passed Senate Bill 313 in 2015, decriminalizing hemp while also setting up a regulatory framework around licensed hemp cultivation.
Following the increased popularity of CBD products and hemp, many states, including North Carolina, have passed regulations that allow industrial hemp to be grown as a commercial crop.
In line with the 2018 US Farm Bill, North Carolina defined hemp as containing less than 0.3% THC and marijuana containing more than 0.3% THC.
NC also allows CBD to be used in dietary supplements, foods, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care products.
In North Carolina, according to their law, all hemp cultivators and processors must have a valid license, and all CBD products require testing.
However, the process behind both these laws is still being worked on. Anyone in North Carolina growing or processing industrial hemp plants requires a license, and licenses are not available to anyone with a drug-related conviction in the last ten years.
You do not require a license in North Carolina to either buy or sell any CBD products, and there are no possession limits for CBD products. Therefore, you can possess, buy, or sell as much CBD as you wish.
Can You Take CBD and Drive in NC?
Driving after consuming CBD in North Carolina is generally considered safe as CBD is non-psychoactive and does not impair cognitive or motor functions significantly. However, it is essential to ensure the product contains less than 0.3% THC to abide by state and federal laws, as higher levels could lead to impairment and legal trouble. New users should approach CBD cautiously, as large doses may cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which could affect driving ability. While CBD is legal in the state, travelers should ensure their possession aligns with labeling requirements to avoid misunderstandings with law enforcement. Ultimately, knowing how CBD affects you personally is crucial before driving.
The United States & North Carolina CBD Laws
In 2018 US Congress passed the Agricultural Improvement Act, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, which made it legal at a federal level to cultivate hemp and produce products from hemp.
At the same time, they also defined hemp as any cannabis plant which contained less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Despite hemp being legal at a federal, it’s up to individual states such as North Carolina to introduce the regulations surrounding hemp cultivation in their states.
However, most states have introduced a regulatory framework that governs who can grow hemp, how they can grow hemp, and how much they can grow.
What would make CBD Illegal in North Carolina?
As with many other states throughout the US, CBD products could be illegal in North Carolina if they contain more than 0.3% THC.
If CBD products are produced from marijuana plants high in THC, the overall amount of THC in the finished product could be higher than the allowed 0.3%.
The 1970 Federal Controlled Substances Act categorized all types of cannabis, which includes hemp, as Schedule I narcotics. The 2014 US Farm Bill changed that when they recognized the difference between marijuana and hemp.
They defined hemp as containing less than 0.3% THC and marijuana containing more than 0.3% THC.
Buying CBD Products Online in North Carolina
Unlike other states, major department stores aren’t yet selling CBD products in North Carolina.
However, various small health and independent stores currently stock CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC.
If you’re looking to buy premium CBD products in North Carolina, your best option is to purchase CBD online. Various CBD companies sell and ship CBD products throughout the United States.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently updated its policy concerning shipping hemp and CBD products, making it legal to ship CBD products throughout the United States.
According to the USPS regulations, any company wishing to ship hemp and CBD products must be licensed by their state.
In addition, all CBD and hemp products must comply with federal regulations, which state hemp and CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC.
Disclaimer – The following information about CBD in North Carolina is based entirely on Stirling’s independent research & insight. Please do not confuse it with professional legal advice. The Stirling research team strives to keep NC CBD information up to date; however, laws change quickly, and seeking legal advice is always the best option if you have questions. We get our information from credible websites and resources. Therefore, the following should be viewed as informational, not as legal advice.
