North Carolina Residents May Have Opportunity to Vote on Marijuana Legalization in 2026
A new bill, Senate Bill 1072, has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly, which could potentially put marijuana legalization to a vote for state residents later this year. If passed, the bill would allow voters to decide whether to legalize the personal use and medical use of cannabis in the state.
The bill, filed by Senator Caleb Theodros of Mecklenburg County, proposes two constitutional amendments. The first would allow voters to decide whether to permit the possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use, subject to conditions set by the state legislature. The second amendment would allow voters to decide whether to permit the possession of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions, also subject to conditions set by the state legislature.
If a majority of voters approve either or both of the amendments, the North Carolina constitution would be amended to protect marijuana use. If a majority votes against the amendments, marijuana use would not be protected.
The bill does not specify what the “certain conditions” would be for personal or medical use of cannabis. However, it does propose adding amendments to the state constitution in the event that either personal or medical use of marijuana is approved by voters.
The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate on May 5, but no further action has been taken as of this writing. If the bill is passed, the vote on marijuana legalization would take place during the November 3, 2026 election.
