Democratic lawmakers in the North Carolina House introduced a new bill aiming to legalize adult-use cannabis, marking a significant step toward cannabis reform in the state. The bill, titled the Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act, seeks to allow individuals aged 21 and older to possess, cultivate, buy, and sell cannabis in accordance with state law.
If passed, the proposal would impose a 30% excise tax on retail cannabis sales, with municipalities having the option to levy an additional 2% local cannabis industry tax. A key feature of the bill is its focus on social equity and reinvestment, with 50% of the cannabis tax revenue directed to specific programs, including a new Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund and a cannabis social equity fund. The remaining 50% of the revenue would be allocated to the state’s General Fund.
The bill also includes provisions to ban public cannabis use and require cultivation activities to be concealed from public view, even from private properties. Landlords and property managers would retain the right to prohibit cannabis smoking on their premises.
While North Carolina has yet to pass statewide cannabis reforms, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians took action in 2023 by legalizing adult-use cannabis in the Qualla Boundary region. A dispensary was opened, allowing any customer aged 21 or older to purchase cannabis products.
A February Meredith College poll revealed broad support for cannabis reforms in the state, with 71% of voters in favor of legalizing medical cannabis access. This momentum for change aligns with a growing trend of cannabis legalization across the U.S. However, past efforts to legalize medical cannabis in the state have stalled in the legislature.
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