In a groundbreaking move for a state long resistant to cannabis policy change, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has ignited a conversation that could reshape the Tar Heel State’s approach to marijuana. On June 4, 2025, Stein signed Executive Order No. 16, establishing the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, a bipartisan panel tasked with crafting a comprehensive cannabis policy. As the council prepares for its inaugural meeting on July 29, 2025, it is actively seeking public input to address pressing issues surrounding marijuana legalization, regulation, and its societal impacts. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for North Carolina, one of the few states without a medical cannabis program, and could pave the way for a regulated market, including sectors like North Carolina Marijuana Online, North Carolina Marijuana White Label, and North Carolina Marijuana Wholesale.

A Response to an Unregulated "Wild West"

North Carolina’s cannabis landscape is a paradox. While marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use, the 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of hemp has created a loophole. Hemp-derived products with delta-9 THC levels below 0.3% are legal, but advancements in extraction techniques have led to potent, intoxicating products flooding vape shops and convenience stores. Governor Stein has called this an unregulated “Wild West,” where anyone, including children, can purchase high-THC products without age restrictions or labeling requirements. Alarmingly, emergency department visits for cannabis intoxication among youth under 17 have surged by over 600% in recent years, and by over 1,000% for older teens. This public health crisis underscores the urgency of the council’s mission to recommend regulations that protect young people while creating a safe, legal market for adults.

The Council’s Diverse Composition

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis comprises 24 members, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise. Co-chaired by State Health Director Lawrence Greenblatt and Robeson County District Attorney Matt Scott, the council includes representatives from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, State Highway Patrol, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the General Assembly. Notable members include Senator Bill Rabon, a longtime advocate for medical marijuana, and Representative John Bell, an executive in the hemp industry who supports stricter regulations. The inclusion of tribal representatives is significant, as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians launched recreational cannabis sales on their Qualla Boundary in 2024, offering a model for regulated sales. This diverse group ensures that perspectives from public health, law enforcement, agriculture, and industry shape the council’s recommendations.

Public Engagement at the Forefront

Ahead of its first meeting at the Albemarle Building in Raleigh, the council is prioritizing public input. An open-ended comment form, accessible via the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website, invites residents to share their views on cannabis policy. This initiative reflects Governor Stein’s commitment to a transparent process that considers the needs of communities across the state. Whether it’s concerns about youth access, opportunities for North Carolina Marijuana Wholesale businesses, or the potential for North Carolina Marijuana Online platforms to streamline access, the council wants to hear it all. Public engagement will continue through regular meetings, held at least bimonthly through December 2026, with preliminary recommendations due by March 15, 2026, and final proposals by December 31, 2026.

Addressing Public Health and Safety

Governor Stein’s executive order emphasizes protecting public health, particularly for youth. The council is tasked with studying best practices from states like Colorado and Massachusetts, where regulated cannabis markets have established age restrictions, potency limits, and labeling standards. Stein has proposed immediate legislative action to ban sales of intoxicating THC products to those under 21 and mandate clear packaging. These measures aim to curb the accessibility of unregulated products, which often lack information about THC content or contaminants. By prioritizing safety, the council seeks to create a framework that supports responsible adult use while mitigating risks, potentially influencing how North Carolina Marijuana White Label products are developed and marketed.

Economic Opportunities and Social Justice

Legalizing and regulating cannabis could unlock significant economic benefits for North Carolina. A regulated market could generate substantial tax revenue, which Stein suggests investing in addiction treatment, mental health services, and drugged-driving detection technology. Sectors like North Carolina Marijuana Wholesale could thrive, supporting local agriculture and creating jobs in cultivation, processing, and distribution. Additionally, North Carolina Marijuana Online platforms could offer convenient, regulated access for consumers, mirroring trends in other states. Beyond economics, the council is exploring criminal justice reforms, such as expunging past convictions for simple marijuana possession. With over 325,000 misdemeanor marijuana convictions in North Carolina, 80% of which involve no other serious charges, expungements could address longstanding inequities, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by enforcement.

Navigating Political Complexities

The path to legalization faces challenges in North Carolina’s GOP-controlled General Assembly. While the Senate has passed medical marijuana bills in recent years, the House has been hesitant, reflecting divisions within the Republican party. Senator Bill Rabon, a council member, has championed medical cannabis but opposes recreational legalization, which may create tension given Stein’s broader vision. Meanwhile, Representative Jordan Lopez’s Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act, introduced in March 2025, proposes adult-use legalization with a 10% tax to fund community reinvestment and equity programs. The council’s bipartisan makeup aims to bridge these divides, fostering collaboration to craft a unified regulatory framework, potentially modeled after the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Lessons from Other States

The council’s mandate includes studying other states’ cannabis policies to avoid pitfalls and adopt best practices. States with separate medical and recreational systems often face regulatory inconsistencies, prompting Stein to advocate for a single, comprehensive framework. For example, Colorado’s robust testing and labeling standards ensure consumer safety, while Washington’s tax structure supports public services. These models could inform how North Carolina Marijuana White Label products are standardized or how North Carolina Marijuana Online sales are regulated to prevent underage access. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ dispensary, which requires buyers to be 21 and enforces strict testing, offers a local case study for the council to consider.

A Vision for a Regulated Future

Governor Stein’s initiative signals a shift from North Carolina’s historically conservative stance on cannabis. By framing legalization as a public safety and economic opportunity, he aims to move beyond the status quo of an unregulated market. The council’s work could position North Carolina as a leader in thoughtful cannabis policy, balancing adult freedom with youth protection. As the state anticipates a regulated market, industries like North Carolina Marijuana Wholesale and North Carolina Marijuana Online could flourish, offering safe, tested products to consumers. The council’s recommendations will also address potency limits, taxation, and sales restrictions, ensuring a system that benefits all North Carolinians.

A Call to Action for Residents

As the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis prepares to convene, the call for public comment is a chance for residents to shape the future. Whether you’re a consumer, a business owner in the North Carolina Marijuana White Label sector, or an advocate for reform, your voice matters. Submit comments through the NCDHHS website to influence policies that could legalize marijuana, protect communities, and drive economic growth. With its first meeting on July 29, 2025, the council is poised to chart a new course for North Carolina, transforming it from a cannabis policy outlier to a model for balanced regulation.

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Reference:

Hall, W. and Lynskey, M. (2020). Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use: the us experience. World Psychiatry, 19(2), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20735