North Carolina Calls for Legal Marijuana and Hemp

State advisory council recommends regulated market to counter widespread illegal use

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:21am

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An abstract, fractured painting of a marijuana leaf in shades of green, blue, and purple, conveying the motion and energy of a rapidly changing political landscape around cannabis legalization.North Carolina's push for legal marijuana aims to disrupt the state's thriving black market and capitalize on growing public support for regulated cannabis.Today in Raleigh

A North Carolina state advisory council has recommended that the state set up a legal, regulated marijuana and hemp market for adults, noting that residents spent an estimated $3 billion on illegal marijuana in 2022 without such a system in place.

Why it matters

The council's recommendation reflects growing public support for marijuana legalization and the potential economic and public safety benefits of a regulated market, as opposed to the current uncontrolled illegal trade.

The details

The advisory council cited the widespread illegal use of marijuana in North Carolina and the potential tax revenue and public safety benefits of a legal, regulated market as reasons for their recommendation. They noted that residents spent an estimated $3 billion on illegal marijuana in 2022 alone.

  • The advisory council made their recommendation in April 2026.

The players

North Carolina

The state where the advisory council is located and made the recommendation for legal marijuana and hemp.

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What’s next

The state legislature will now consider the advisory council's recommendation and decide whether to move forward with establishing a legal, regulated marijuana and hemp market.

The takeaway

North Carolina's move to consider legalizing marijuana and hemp reflects a growing national trend, as more states seek to address the public health and safety issues caused by the illegal drug trade through regulated markets.