North Carolina Lawmakers Oppose Efforts to Legalize Adult Marijuana Use
04/10/2026
Republican leaders in North Carolina continue to resist calls to legalize adult marijuana use despite recommendations from a state advisory body. Governor Josh Stein formed the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis in June 2025 to examine options for regulating cannabis sales and creating a safer market for adults while protecting youth. The council, which includes law enforcement officials, public health experts, alcohol industry representatives, members of state Indian tribes, and legislators such as Rep. John Bell and Sen. Bill Rabon, issued an interim report urging the creation of a tightly regulated framework for adult marijuana sales and hemp products.
The council highlighted that North Carolina residents spent an estimated three billion dollars on illicit marijuana in 2022, making the state the second-largest illegal cannabis market in the nation. Supporters argue that regulation would replace unregulated sales with tested products, generate significant tax revenue, potentially reaching tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually, improve consumer safety, and provide law enforcement with better oversight tools. The plan also envisions investments in addiction treatment, mental health resources, and drug driving prevention.
Key Republican figures, however, have pushed back strongly on the proposals. House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger have not publicly commented in detail, but other GOP members on health and appropriations committees warn that legalization could exacerbate serious problems. They cite research indicating that young adult marijuana users face approximately four times the risk of developing psychosis compared to non-users.
The primary psychoactive compound THC carries risks of addiction and cannabis use disorder, which may trigger broader mental health issues and accelerate psychotic symptoms in those with genetic vulnerabilities. These concerns are particularly acute in rural areas where behavioral health services already face significant strain from substance use disorder treatment demands.
The debate unfolds as federal policy evolves, with recent reclassification of marijuana acknowledging limited medical value but stopping short of full legalization. Upcoming federal restrictions on hemp products could further influence the state approach. With the Republican led legislature in control, any move toward adult-use legalization or expanded medical provisions would require their approval amid divided opinions. As lawmakers prepare for the next session, discussions on marijuana policy, hemp regulation, and related public health measures are likely to intensify, determining whether North Carolina maintains its prohibition stance or moves toward a controlled market.
Reference
The council highlighted that North Carolina residents spent an estimated three billion dollars on illicit marijuana in 2022, making the state the second-largest illegal cannabis market in the nation. Supporters argue that regulation would replace unregulated sales with tested products, generate significant tax revenue, potentially reaching tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually, improve consumer safety, and provide law enforcement with better oversight tools. The plan also envisions investments in addiction treatment, mental health resources, and drug driving prevention.
Key Republican figures, however, have pushed back strongly on the proposals. House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger have not publicly commented in detail, but other GOP members on health and appropriations committees warn that legalization could exacerbate serious problems. They cite research indicating that young adult marijuana users face approximately four times the risk of developing psychosis compared to non-users.
The primary psychoactive compound THC carries risks of addiction and cannabis use disorder, which may trigger broader mental health issues and accelerate psychotic symptoms in those with genetic vulnerabilities. These concerns are particularly acute in rural areas where behavioral health services already face significant strain from substance use disorder treatment demands.
The debate unfolds as federal policy evolves, with recent reclassification of marijuana acknowledging limited medical value but stopping short of full legalization. Upcoming federal restrictions on hemp products could further influence the state approach. With the Republican led legislature in control, any move toward adult-use legalization or expanded medical provisions would require their approval amid divided opinions. As lawmakers prepare for the next session, discussions on marijuana policy, hemp regulation, and related public health measures are likely to intensify, determining whether North Carolina maintains its prohibition stance or moves toward a controlled market.
Reference
