The Future of THC in North Carolina: Is Full Legalization Coming in 2025?
Get the latest news on THC and cannabis laws in North Carolina. Learn about federal legalization efforts, current dispensary laws, and where NC stands on becoming a fully legal weed state in 2025.
A Pivotal Year for Cannabis in the U.S.
The conversation around cannabis legalization has reached a boiling point in 2025. With multiple states continuing to roll out recreational programs and major federal reform bills circulating in Congress, the cannabis industry is undergoing one of its most significant shifts in decades. For North Carolina—a state historically cautious in its approach to cannabis—the question isn't if legalization is coming, but when and how fast.
This article dives into the current status of THC products in North Carolina, the push for federal legalization, and what residents can expect as policymakers debate the future of cannabis in the Tar Heel State.
Current Status of THC in North Carolina (2025)
As of April 2025, North Carolina has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. However, the state does permit hemp-derived THC products under the federal Farm Bill. These include:
THCa flower (legal in raw form under 0.3% Delta-9 THC)
Delta-9 THC edibles (legal if dry weight threshold is met)
Delta-8 THC (technically legal but increasingly scrutinized)
Medical marijuana is permitted on a limited basis through a highly restricted system authorized under Senate Bill 3 (NC Compassionate Care Act). Patients with qualifying conditions like epilepsy or cancer may access THC products, but the program is still not fully operational.
Lawmakers are currently reviewing a new proposal that would expand medical access and create a regulated recreational market by 2026.
Federal Movement: What’s Happening in Washington
On the federal level, the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) has regained traction in 2025, following recent bipartisan support for criminal justice reform and veterans’ access to cannabis. If passed, it would:
Remove marijuana from the Schedule I controlled substances list
Allow states to create their own regulated markets
Enable interstate commerce between legal cannabis states
Open up banking and financial services to cannabis businesses
Presidentially, the tone has shifted. Although still cautious, the current administration has signaled a willingness to support cannabis rescheduling or descheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. As of Q1 2025, the DEA is reviewing a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services to reschedule THC to Schedule III, which would radically alter enforcement, research access, and taxation.
Will North Carolina Legalize Recreational Weed Soon?
Public support in North Carolina for legal cannabis has never been higher. A recent statewide poll by WRAL showed 73% of residents support either medical or full adult-use cannabis legalization. That includes majorities across party lines, demographics, and age groups.
Several bills have been introduced in the NC General Assembly, including one that would legalize cannabis for adults 21+ and establish a state-regulated dispensary system. The challenge? Legislative leadership remains hesitant, particularly in the state Senate. However, the economic potential—estimated at over $1 billion annually in taxable sales—continues to pressure lawmakers to act.
In 2025, advocates are turning their attention to the 2026 midterm elections, where ballot initiatives may emerge if the legislature stalls. Momentum is building, and with neighboring states like Virginia and Maryland offering full access, North Carolina risks being left behind economically and culturally.
What This Means for Cannabis Consumers in NC
Right now, the safest and most legal way to experience THC in North Carolina is through:
THCa flower (smokable or vaped)
Compliant Delta-9 edibles (under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight)
Lab-tested Delta-8 or Delta-10 products (purchased from transparent vendors)
Consumers should be wary of mislabeled or unregulated products, particularly Delta-8 derived in uncontrolled lab conditions. As lawmakers review cannabis reform at both the state and federal level, transparency and legality will define which brands and dispensaries thrive.
Final Thoughts: North Carolina Is at the Crossroads
While North Carolina is not yet a fully legal weed state, all signs point toward major legislative progress within the next 12–24 months. With shifting public opinion, strong economic arguments, and federal reform on the horizon, the foundation for change has already been laid.
For now, consumers and advocates alike should stay engaged, stay informed, and continue supporting safe, legal, and transparent cannabis access across the state.