Unregulated sales of intoxicating cannabis products in North Carolina have led to a chaotic marketplace where items are sold without testing, consistent labeling, or potency limits, according to a recent report from the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis. The council emphasized the urgent need for the North Carolina legislature to enact laws regulating cannabis sales.
Governor Josh Stein established the advisory council to formulate recommendations aimed at creating a safe and legal market for adults while safeguarding children, as he stated in a June 2025 announcement.
Currently, products like gummies, beverages, and other edibles containing intoxicating THC derived from hemp are legal in North Carolina, with no age restrictions in place, which allows minors access to these items.
Concerns Over Product Safety and Regulation
The advisory council report asserts that “intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products,” often promoted as legal alternatives to marijuana, are being sold in an environment lacking standardized manufacturing, testing, labeling, packaging, and age verification. The absence of regulatory oversight has led to significant public health concerns, especially regarding consumer safety and youth access.
This lack of regulation has been described as a “wild west” environment. North Carolinians, including youth, can legally obtain intoxicating hemp-derived products with no restrictions on potency or standardized testing, raising alarming concerns for public safety. The report highlights that the current scenario creates uncertainty for consumers, responsible businesses, and healthcare providers. It underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate these risks.
Legislative Challenges and Federal Context
Attempts by the legislature to impose regulations on hemp-derived products have stalled due to differences between Republicans in the House and Senate. This discussion is taking place against a backdrop of changing federal regulations following the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production and facilitated the sale of THC-containing products. Recent federal legislation aimed to address what some call the “Farm Bill loophole” introduces THC caps that may threaten the viability of local producers and sellers.
In December, an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed to loosen marijuana restrictions to promote research into medical applications and revisit hemp-derived THC limits.
Advisory Council’s Recommendations and Future Directions
The North Carolina Advisory Council is expected to release a final report in December. Preliminary recommendations include regulating products based on total THC, regardless of their source. The co-chairs of the advisory council, Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, state health director, and Robeson County District Attorney Matthew Scott, advocate for a structured, legal market that also protects medical marijuana users. The report suggests that this framework would enable state oversight and regulation of the currently unregulated market.