North Carolina House Bill Aims to Legalize Marijuana
A new bill landed in the North Carolina House Monday, looking to make marijuana legal for anyone 21 and up. Under the Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act (H.B. 413), customers would face a hefty 30% tax, while cities could add another 2% if they choose.
“The conversation around cannabis legalization in North Carolina is long overdue,” said Rep. Jordan Lopez to MJBizDaily. People could keep up to 2 ounces of marijuana, 15 grams of concentrate, or 2,000 milligrams of THC. They’d also be allowed to grow six plants at home.
Money from taxes would go into a special Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, helping areas most affected by previous drug laws. A new Office of Community Reinvestment would handle the funds.
By mid-2028, certain marijuana charges would be cleared from records automatically. While towns might ban stores, they can’t stop deliveries or personal use.
Social fairness is a key part of this bill. Communities hurt most by old drug laws get first crack at business licenses for six months. The bill also stops big companies from controlling too many cannabis businesses.
The public seems ready – 71% of North Carolinians support medical marijuana programs. Still, North Carolina remains one of the few states without medical marijuana laws. Despite the Senate saying yes three years straight, medical marijuana keeps getting stuck in the full legislature.
Towns get a lot of say in the plan. They could grab an extra 2% tax on top of the state’s share. They might stop new shops from opening but can’t block delivery or use.
The bill keeps tight rules on ownership to keep the market fair. It limits how much investment groups can control to prevent monopolies.
If it works, North Carolina would join other states where adults can buy marijuana legally. But the bill still needs to pass both houses and get the governor’s okay.
