The Council That Could Change Everything: What to Know About NC’s Cannabis Advisory Council

While headlines swirl around proposed hemp bans, another effort is quietly taking shape—one that could set the stage for a more thoughtful, long-term approach to cannabis and hemp in North Carolina.

In June 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order creating the State Advisory Council on Cannabis, a bipartisan group of experts tasked with recommending how the state should regulate hemp and cannabis moving forward.

It’s a hopeful step toward smarter legislation. Here’s what you need to know.

Who’s On the Council?

The Council brings together 24 members representing a wide range of voices:

Healthcare and mental health professionals
Tribal leadership from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Law enforcement and public safety officials
Legal experts and policymakers
Agricultural and farming representatives
Business and economic development leaders

This diverse group ensures that any recommendations will reflect the needs of everyday North Carolinians—not just political insiders.

What Is the Council Tasked With?

Unlike rushed bills focused on bans, the Council is taking a research-based approach. Its job is to:

Study how other states have regulated cannabis and hemp
Assess public health, safety, and legal frameworks
Propose recommendations on age limits, packaging, licensing, testing, and taxation
Provide timelines for implementation
Explore options for record expungement related to outdated cannabis charges

Initial recommendations are expected in March 2026, with a full report due later that year.

Why This Matters Now

The Council offers something that has been missing from the hemp policy conversation: time, balance, and inclusion.

As legislation like the Senate version of SB328 pushes forward rapidly, the Council is a reminder that North Carolina can choose a better path—one that includes public input and long-term vision.

It’s also a chance to create regulations that:

Protect access for adults
Support small businesses
Safeguard youth and public health
Build trust through transparency

What We Hope to See

At NCHAA, we believe this Council could become the blueprint for safe, sustainable cannabis and hemp regulation in North Carolina. We urge the Council to:

Prioritize science over fear
Include voices from the hemp industry, especially veterans and small business owners
Embrace regulation, not eradication
Keep the door open for dialogue and accountability

If done right, this could be the moment when North Carolina sets the national standard for thoughtful, inclusive cannabis policy.

We’re here to support that future.

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