North Carolina Democrats are once again pushing for the legalization of marijuana in the state, despite facing long odds. House Bill 413 and Senate Bill 350, both sponsored by Democrats, aim to allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower, 15 grams of cannabis concentrate, and other products containing no more than two grams of THC. Home cultivation of up to six plants would also be permitted.
However, the bills face significant hurdles, with Republican leadership placing them in the Rules and Operations committees, a common tactic to shelve bills. In previous sessions, similar bills have been met with opposition and have not advanced.
Despite the challenges, Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, remains hopeful that the bill will pass, citing constituent support for legalization. However, experts predict that the chances of passage are slim, with some arguing that the bill is more of a “messaging bill” to remind voters of Democratic support for legalization.
The bills also include provisions for the expungement of prior marijuana convictions, the creation of an Office of Community Reinvestment to help rehabilitate communities affected by marijuana prohibition, and the establishment of a comprehensive plan for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in the state.
Meanwhile, a medical marijuana bill passed in the Senate in 2023 and 2024, but has yet to be re-filed in the current session. The bill would permit the use of medical marijuana for certain ailments, but not for recreational use.
Experts predict that the medical marijuana bill may have a better chance of passing, as it has enjoyed bipartisan support in the Senate. However, the fate of both bills remains uncertain, with the Democratic-controlled legislature facing opposition from Republican leadership.
