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NC North Carolina Cannabis Legal Status, Laws, and Jobs 2024

North Carolina Cannabis Legalization

Medical: Not currently legal. Several bills have been introduced in recent years, but none have been passed into law. The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation passed a tribal ordinance for medical and recreational cannabis in 2021, but it’s still awaiting implementation.
Recreational: Not currently legal. Similar to medical, bills have been proposed, but no successful legislation exists.

Current NC Cannabis Laws:

  • Possession: Both medical and recreational possession are illegal, punishable by fines and potential jail time depending on the quantity.
  • Public consumption: Prohibited for both medical and recreational use, punishable by a fine.
  • Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of cannabis is a DUI regardless of medical authorization.
  • Sales: Growing, distributing, selling, and possessing cannabis are all illegal, regardless of medical or recreational purpose.

Cannabis Job Prospects in NC:

  • Limited opportunities currently. Due to the lack of legal cannabis programs, job opportunities in the industry are scarce in North Carolina.
  • Potential future growth: If medical or recreational legalization passes, the job market could see significant expansion across various sectors, including cultivation, processing, testing, retail, and more.
  • Focus on neighboring states: For now, individuals interested in cannabis careers may need to look to neighboring states with established programs, such as Virginia or Maryland.

North Carolina Cannabis FAQs:

Is CBD Legal in North Carolina?

No, CBD is not illegal in North Carolina as long as it meets certain requirements:

  • Source: The CBD must be derived from hemp, not marijuana. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component that produces the “high” associated with marijuana.
  • THC content: The actual CBD product, whether it’s oil, gummies, cream, etc., must also have a THC content below 0.3%.

Therefore, hemp-derived CBD with a THC content below 0.3% is completely legal to purchase, possess, and use in North Carolina.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

  • Marijuana-derived CBD: CBD derived from marijuana, which typically has higher THC levels, is still illegal in North Carolina.
  • Regulation: While legal, CBD is not yet heavily regulated in North Carolina. Be sure to purchase your CBD from reputable sources that can provide you with lab testing results to verify the THC content.

Employment: Even though CBD is legal, some employers may still have policies against its use.

Is recreational cannabis legal in North Carolina?

No, recreational cannabis is not legal in North Carolina. Possessing, using, or selling marijuana (cannabis with THC content exceeding 0.3%) is still illegal throughout the state. Penalties for recreational cannabis use can range from fines and misdemeanor charges to felony charges depending on the amount possessed and intent.

However, there are some caveats:

  • Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: On tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, recreational cannabis was voted legal in a tribal referendum in June 2023. These lands are the only place in North Carolina where recreational cannabis is currently legal.
  • Hemp-derived products: Certain hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC, such as CBD oil and delta-8 THC, are legal and widely available in North Carolina. However, these products do not produce the same psychoactive effects as recreational cannabis.

Here’s a summary of the current legal situation:

  • Recreational cannabis: Illegal throughout the state (except on Cherokee tribal lands).
  • Hemp-derived CBD: Legal if THC content is below 0.3%.
  • Delta-8 THC: Legal in a gray area due to legal ambiguity, but its legality may be challenged in the future.

It’s important to stay informed about the evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabis in North Carolina. Remember, possessing or using recreational cannabis outside of Cherokee tribal lands remains illegal and can have legal consequences.

How do I become a registered hemp grower in North Carolina?

As of 2023, North Carolina no longer operates its own hemp grower registration program. The state transitioned to the federal USDA Hemp Production Program in 2021. This means you’ll need to apply for a license through the USDA to grow hemp in North Carolina.

Here’s how you can become a registered hemp grower in North Carolina:

1. Gather information:

2. Prepare your application:

3. Submit your application:

  • Log in to HeMP and follow the instructions for applying for a USDA hemp production license.
  • Be sure to:
    • Designate your hemp lots carefully and accurately (each lot will be sampled and tested separately).
    • Pay any applicable fees (fees may vary depending on your situation).

4. Wait for processing:

  • USDA processing times can vary, but it may take several weeks to receive a decision on your application.
  • Once approved, you will receive a license and be able to start growing hemp in North Carolina.

Additional resources:

Remember:

  • Comply with all USDA regulations and requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records of your hemp production.
  • Get tested for THC content regularly.
  • Stay informed about updates to the USDA Hemp Production Program and any relevant state regulations.

Additional Resources:

Remember: Cannabis laws in North Carolina are still evolving, and it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments. The resources listed above can help you stay updated.

Explore More U.S. State Cannabis Laws

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PIERCE REDFERN

Sales & Production

I am native to Richmond and attended Collegiate School and The University of Alabama. I am married to my wife, Lauren, and we have two children together, Palmer and Hendley. Graham is my older brother and I have been with the company since the fall of 2022.

I enjoy hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. Graham’s strong passion for this industry motivates others to excel, including myself. I love the team we have together now and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Redfern Hemp Co.!

GLORIA RAMIREZ

Kitchen Production

Gloria is from Guatemala. She moved to Virginia in 2023 and began working with the Redfern Team.

Gloria plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our products are precisely packaged using our quality control SOP guidelines.

ROB UJEVIC

Outside Sales

I’m from Reston, VA currently living in Richmond and Engaged with no kids yet… I began working for Redfern after my original venture, Gourmet Hemp Foods, partnered with them. I love Redfern cause they offer freedom and flexibility to grow.

Redfern is family oriented and serves the community and customers with utmost diligence. Graham Redfern is the hardest working leader I’ve ever had the privilege to work for!

WHITNEY MORGAN

Market Manager

I’m from Caroline County, Virginia and I am married to my husband Ryan. I’ve worked with Redfern Hemp Co. a little over two years. Before that I was a nanny and I worked as a pediatric dental assistant.

I handle online sales and a few outside wholesale accounts. Working with Redfern is a dream job I never thought I’d have.

We are a true family. We work like one, and argue like one. As a team we are flexible and have a real love for the plant and what it can do. There is no limit for the plant so there is no limit for us.

For example, my mom suffered from hair loss after Covid. She started to add Redfrn’s Whole Plant Tincture into her shampoo and conditioner and it helped her hair regrow. The plant is magic!

TIFFANY OBLINSKY

HR & Administration

Tiffany is the anchor of our team, ensuring that we stay organized and that the company’s operations are always running smoothly. During her free time, Tiffany enjoys taking her family to Lake Anna while simultaneously keeping Graham in line from her smartphone!

Corey Reed

Social Media Manager

Hi, I’m Corey. Originally from Charlotte, NC, I’ve called Virginia my second home for over 12 years. With a 10-year background in healthcare and nursing, and 5 years in content creation and social media, I’ve developed a diverse skill set. In my free time, I enjoy creating content, writing music, fishing, and being the best father I can be. Working with Graham and the Redfern team has been a dream come true. It has allowed me to pursue my passions for content creation, health and wellness, community morale, and making meaningful connections. At Redfern Hemp Co, I oversee the social media side of the business. You can also catch me at Redfern Market, so feel free to stop by and say hi!

COURTNEY KUSTERER

Production / Sales / Event Manager

Knowledgeable and passionate about the hemp plant, Courtney is an all around asset to our company. Since her early days with Graham in Waynesboro, she has acquired invaluable insights and business knowledge to help the success of our small business. Her ability to tell the Redfern story is unmatched. If you’ve ever seen one of our event setups, you can tell that Courtney had her creative ideas flowing. She has built a strong wholesale portfolio, while strengthening our network of industry connections. Her expertise in directing customers to the right products is undeniable, playing a pivotal role in assisting Graham in building the company from the ground up. In her free time, Courtney enjoys moments on the farm with Graham and their farm family of cat, cows, chickens, ducks, and dogs. She also values family time at Virginia Tech football games and moments on the boat or at the beach.

GRAHAM REDFERN

Owner & Hemp Farmer

Before I became an American hemp farmer and entrepreneur, I first heard of the hemp industry during a period when my construction business thrived, but the housing crash of 2009 changed everything. While visiting Asheville, North Carolina, I encountered a groundbreaking green building – a house made 90% from hemp, from the flooring to the walls, excluding only electrical components and appliances.

Intrigued, I consulted with Andrea Herman, president of the Hemp Industries of America, spending an hour and $150 to understand the challenges of building such houses in the U.S.. When Andrea explained the steep costs preventing widespread use of U.S.-grown hemp, it ignited a passion in me. I questioned, “Why not?” This moment became a catalyst for my deep dive into the hemp industry.

Passage of the Farm Bills

In 2014, the passing of the Farm Bill allowed universities to grow hemp, prompting me to shift from the car industry. Initially unsure of my path, I invested in penny hemp stocks and connected with the Virginia Industrial Hemp Coalition, working with universities such as JMU, UVA, VSU, and Virginia Tech to explore potential markets.

For four years, restricted by regulations to work with universities, I delved into the banking industry. When the 2019 Farm Bill dismantled barriers, allowing American farmers to cultivate cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC, my dream took a leap. Redfern Hemp Co. was born, marking the legal sale of hemp products in Virginia for the first time in over seventy years. With my girlfriend Courtney, we hustled – attending state fairs, cultivating hemp on our 42-acre Caroline County farm, and navigating the burgeoning industry. Fast-forward to 2023, and despite being one of the few companies remaining, we face challenges.

Unfortunately, Virginia lawmakers have strained our efforts, declaring federally legal cannabinoid-derived hemp products illegal unless sold by a select few medical marijuana operators.

In the face of Virginia’s attempt to monopolize medical marijuana, we persist in expanding cannabis job opportunities for all Virginians.

We champion Virginians’ rights to affordable, high-quality products, battling against restrictive legislation. It’s disheartening to see the government hindering the benefits of this plant, including job creation and increased taxation.

Restoring Virginia’s Hemp Farming Legacy

There was a time when Virginian hemp farmers paid taxes with hemp. Reintroducing low-dosage, safe cannabinoid products in smoke shops, convenience stores, and local markets could restore this tradition on a broader scale than a handful of licensees. We’re committed to reclaiming this birthright, enabling Virginians to pay their taxes with hemp once again.

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