North Carolina Advisory Council Calls for Regulated Adult Cannabis Market

Report highlights risks of uncontrolled hemp-derived THC sales, urges state legislature to act

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:53pm

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a single hemp plant or cannabis leaf illuminated by warm, angled sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the challenges facing North Carolina's unregulated cannabis market.A pensive, nostalgic scene captures the complex intersection of public health, consumer safety, and the future of North Carolina's cannabis industry.Charlotte Today

A state advisory council in North Carolina has issued a report calling for the legislature to create a regulated adult-use cannabis market, citing the current 'wild west' landscape of uncontrolled sales of intoxicating hemp-derived products with no testing, labeling or age restrictions. The council recommends a legal framework to manage cannabis responsibly and protect public health, especially for youth.

Why it matters

North Carolina has struggled to pass legislation to regulate the booming hemp-derived THC market, leaving consumers and businesses in a legal gray area. This report provides a roadmap for the state to establish a safe, controlled cannabis industry while shutting off youth access to potentially dangerous products.

The details

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis found that unregulated sales of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabis products like gummies and drinks have created a 'wild west' marketplace with no standards for manufacturing, testing, labeling or age verification. This has raised widespread concerns about consumer safety, youth access and public health. The council is recommending the state legislature pass a law to regulate the adult-use cannabis market, including oversight, enforcement and protections for medical marijuana users.

  • The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis released its interim report on April 2, 2026.
  • The North Carolina General Assembly will convene for its short session on April 21, 2026.

The players

North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis

A state-appointed advisory council tasked with developing recommendations for creating a safe, legal cannabis market in North Carolina.

Gov. Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina who appointed the advisory council in June 2025 to 'create a safe, legal market for adults that protects kids.'

Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt

Co-chair of the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, and the state health director and chief medical officer at the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Matthew Scott

Co-chair of the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, and the Robeson County District Attorney.

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What they’re saying

“'Intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products, often marketed as legal alternatives to marijuana, are being sold in an environment without any uniform standards for manufacturing, testing, labeling, packaging, or age verification, and absent any enforcement or oversight authority.'”

— North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis

“'Last year, I charged this group with developing a comprehensive solution to the unregulated sale of cannabis that is grounded in public health and public safety, with a special focus on keeping young people safe. This report provides the General Assembly with guidance and makes clear that a well-regulated market, including both oversight and enforcement authority, is a safer market for our state. Our state's unregulated cannabis market today is the Wild West and is crying for order. Let's get this right. Let's protect our kids and create a safe, legal, and well-regulated market for adults.'”

— Gov. Josh Stein

What’s next

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis is set to produce a final report in December 2026 with additional recommendations. The North Carolina General Assembly will convene for its short session on April 21, 2026, where the issue of cannabis regulation is expected to be a key topic of discussion.

The takeaway

This report highlights the urgent need for North Carolina to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis, including both hemp-derived and marijuana-derived products. By creating a safe, legal adult-use market with proper oversight and enforcement, the state can protect public health, especially for vulnerable youth, while also supporting a responsible cannabis industry.