North Carolina's Efforts to Establish Comprehensive Hemp Regulations

The North Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association (NCHAA) is actively collaborating with Senator Johnson, Representative Bell, and other key lawmakers in both the North Carolina Senate and House to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived products. The primary objectives of this initiative are to safeguard consumers, protect reputable businesses, ensure industry stability, and eliminate bad actors from North Carolina’s hemp market.

Key Highlights of the NC Hemp Regulatory Bill

The proposed regulations aim to establish clear guidelines for hemp-derived products in alignment with federal standards while ensuring consumer safety and business accountability. The bill includes the following provisions:

• Clear Definitions: Properly defining hemp-derived products in accordance with the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.

• Age Restrictions: Limiting sales of hemp-derived products to individuals aged 21 and older.

• Licensing Requirements: Implementing mandatory licensing for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

• Serving Size Limits: Establishing restrictions on serving sizes for hemp-derived edibles, beverages, and vape cartridges to promote responsible consumption.

• School Safety Measures: Prohibiting hemp-derived products from school grounds and school-related functions.

Current Status of the NC Hemp Regulatory Bill

At present, the bill is in the drafting phase within the North Carolina Senate. The expectation is that it will be officially filed in the Senate by March, with a companion bill to be introduced shortly thereafter in the House. Updates on the bill’s progress will be provided in the next NCHAA newsletter as more information becomes available.

How You Can Support NCHAA’s Efforts

NCHAA is committed to advocating for fair and effective hemp regulations in North Carolina. To support their ongoing efforts, consider joining NCHAA and staying informed about legislative updates. Additionally, contributions to the NCHAA PAC can help advance this critical legislation and promote responsible industry practices.

For more details on how to get involved, visit NCHAA’s official website or reach out to your local representatives to voice your support for comprehensive hemp regulations in North Carolina.