When Will NC Legislature Address the Hemp and Medical Cannabis Needs of Its Residents?

As the NC Legislature prepares to adjourn without addressing vital funding for Hurricane Helene victims, the neglect of hemp regulations and the medical cannabis program casts a long shadow over North Carolina's future. For the second consecutive session, critical bills and opportunities have been left on the table, leaving residents disheartened and questioning the legislature's commitment to its promises. Beyond the missed chance to provide relief and create new economic streams, the inaction delays necessary progress on issues that could significantly impact public health, local businesses, and state revenues.

This post explores the urgency of these unaddressed topics, why they matter for North Carolina, and what the legislature's inaction means for its residents.

1. Critical Issues Left Unresolved

Lack of Funding for Hurricane Helene Victims

Natural disasters leave communities grappling with both immediate recovery needs and long-term rebuilding efforts. The NC Legislature's failure to allocate sufficient funding for Hurricane Helene victims leaves many residents without the resources they need to rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and futures. These delays only exacerbate the struggles of impacted families, who had hoped for swift legislative action.

Hemp Regulation and Its Untapped Potential

North Carolina remains stagnant on implementing hemp regulations that include taxation on hemp-derived consumable products. This could have created a significant new revenue stream for the state, capitalizing on what is already a booming industry nationwide. States like Colorado and Oregon, which have embraced hemp and cannabis regulation, have seen millions in tax revenue—funds that North Carolina could use to address infrastructure repairs, education, and disaster recovery.

Medical Cannabis Program Shelved Again

For the second consecutive session, the NC Legislature has neglected to pass a medical cannabis program, which many residents see as critical to their well-being. Patients dealing with chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, and other debilitating conditions continue to wait for an initiative that would allow them access to a medical cannabis program. Neighboring states like Virginia have already moved forward with similar programs, raising questions about why North Carolina lags behind on this critical issue.

2. Broken Promises and Missed Opportunities

Legislators made commitments to tackle these issues, yet progress remains elusive. Advocacy groups and local residents have voiced disappointment over the lack of dedication to following through on promises. Despite bipartisan support for certain aspects of hemp regulation and the medical cannabis program, entrenched opposition and delays have left these initiatives in limbo.

The economic data underscores the missed opportunity. Implementing hemp regulations alone could bring in millions of dollars annually through taxation. Medical cannabis, meanwhile, not only offers a revenue opportunity but also provides countless residents with a natural alternative for managing health conditions.

Advocacy Voices

“It’s frustrating to see the NC Legislature continue to put off these vital programs,” says Emma Cole, a cannabis advocate from Charlotte. “Medical cannabis isn’t just about providing relief to patients—it’s about creating jobs and tax revenues that North Carolina critically needs.”

Chris Langley, a local business owner and hemp farmer, echoes these frustrations. “We’ve already seen how other states have grown their economies by regulating hemp and cannabis. The NC government is leaving money on the table.”

3. What’s Standing in the Way?

While there has been speculation about roadblocks to these initiatives—such as partisan gridlock, lack of legislative prioritization, and concerns over regulatory complexity—these excuses become harder to accept as other states lead by example. For instance:

• Colorado, which embraced comprehensive cannabis regulation, collected over $400 million in marijuana-related revenue in 2022 alone.
• Virginia, a neighboring state, successfully launched its medical cannabis program, providing relief for patients and contributing to public health goals.

These examples illustrate that progress is possible when there's political will and forward-thinking leadership. North Carolina’s failure to act risks falling further behind, both economically and socially.

4. The Implications of Legislative Delay

The NC Legislature's inaction is more than a political oversight—it has real consequences for the state’s residents:

• Healthcare Concerns: Patients continue to seek alternative treatments elsewhere, leaving North Carolina behind in addressing its citizens' medical needs.
• Economic Stagnation: Without hemp regulations or a medical cannabis program, the state forfeits potential revenue that could be invested in schools, infrastructure, or disaster relief.
• Public Trust: The repeated failure to act tarnishes public confidence in the legislature’s ability to prioritize and address critical issues.

For small businesses, farmers, and medical patients, the message from Raleigh seems clear—these issues are not a priority. And for many local residents, that is difficult to reconcile.

5. The Path Forward

While the current legislative session ends without progress, hope remains that future sessions may take these matters more seriously. Active pressure from advocacy groups, residents, and local leaders can help keep these issues at the forefront.

Here’s what North Carolina residents can do to push for change:

• Engage with Lawmakers: Reach out to your elected officials and express your support for hemp regulations and a medical cannabis program.
• Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the NC Medical Cannabis Advocates Coalition work to amplify voices on these issues.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates on legislative sessions and participate in community discussions.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina has an opportunity to take meaningful steps forward—steps that benefit its residents, businesses, and economy. The failure to address hemp regulations and implement a medical cannabis program is a disservice to the state’s potential and its people.

The question now is, will the legislature rise to the occasion in the next session?

The need for progress is urgent, and the answers lie with lawmakers willing to champion these critical issues. If you're frustrated by the delays, now is the time to get involved. Contact your representatives, share your concerns, and be part of the movement demanding action.

North Carolina, the ball is now in your court.