Why Hemp Isn’t the Enemy: Separating Fact from Fear
Hemp has become one of the most misunderstood parts of North Carolina’s agricultural and wellness economy. While thousands rely on hemp-derived products for daily relief, some recent proposals paint hemp as a public threat rather than a public good.
At NCHAA, we believe it’s time to clear the air.
Fear shouldn’t write policy. Facts should.
Myth #1: Hemp Gets You High
The Truth: Most hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD and THCa, are non-intoxicating. Even products like Delta-8, when regulated properly, offer milder effects than traditional marijuana and are used responsibly by adults for wellness support.
Blanket bans on hemp products confuse consumers and ignore science. Instead of lumping all cannabinoids together, legislation should distinguish between intoxicating and non-intoxicating compounds.
Myth #2: Hemp Is Unregulated
The Truth: Hemp is already regulated under federal law through the 2018 Farm Bill, which limits Delta-9 THC content to 0.3%. Reputable businesses also conduct third-party testing, follow strict labeling guidelines, and use child-resistant packaging.
What’s needed isn’t prohibition—it’s state-level structure to support safe sales and crack down on bad actors. That’s exactly what smart legislation like SB265 aims to do.
Myth #3: Banning Hemp Protects Kids
The Truth: We all agree on protecting children—but bans aren’t the answer.
Removing hemp products from regulated markets only drives consumers underground. Instead, age restrictions (21+), clear warning labels, and responsible marketing can ensure that hemp stays in the hands of informed, consenting adults.
Myth #4: Hemp Is Just a Trend
The Truth: Hemp has been used for thousands of years in medicine, textiles, and nutrition. In North Carolina, it’s now a driver of jobs, especially in rural counties.
Thousands of small businesses, many veteran- and women-owned, rely on hemp to support their communities. Calling it a "fad" dismisses the real economic impact it brings.
Myth #5: All Hemp Products Are Unsafe
The Truth: Like any product, quality varies. But hemp isn’t inherently dangerous. In fact, cannabinoids like CBD have shown promise for supporting sleep, mood, inflammation, and more.
The key is regulation. Testing. Transparency. Not bans.
We Need Education, Not Erasure
North Carolinians deserve access to safe, legal hemp products. But they also deserve truthful information. When fear shapes policy, we all lose—jobs, health, and trust in our institutions.
Let’s be clear: Hemp isn’t the enemy. Misunderstanding is.
NCHAA supports education-first legislation that separates fact from fear and builds a future where wellness, safety, and freedom can thrive together.