North Carolina Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on North Carolina hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

North Carolina, USA hemp laws: quick overview

North Carolina defines “hemp” under G.S. 90‑87 (as amended by SL 2022‑32, effective June 30 2022) as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with a delta‑9 THC concentration not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis ([ncleg.gov](https://ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2021-2022/SL2022-32.html?utm_source=openai)). That law permanently excludes hemp and hemp products meeting that threshold from the state Controlled Substances Act ([ncleg.gov](https://ncleg.gov/Legislation/SummariesPublication/Summary/2022/8/S455-SMTQ-148%28sl%29-v-6/?utm_source=openai)). North Carolina does not currently operate its own hemp cultivation or processing licensing program; regulation has reverted to the USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program as of June 30 2022 ([ncagr.gov](https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/hemp-nc?utm_source=openai)). North Carolina has not yet enacted a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp‑derived consumable products. The Advisory Council on Cannabis (April 2026) noted that while hemp (≤0.3% delta‑9 THC) is legal, the state lacks rules governing manufacture, testing, labeling, or retail sale of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products ([ncdhhs.gov](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/advisory-council-cannabis-interim-report-2026/download?attachment=&utm_source=openai)). However, House Bill 328 (2025) proposes a new Chapter 18D to regulate hemp‑derived consumables, defining terms, requiring ISO 17025 or DEA‑registered labs, testing panels, tracking, and limiting delta‑9 THC to 0.3% dry weight ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/sessions/2025/bills/house/html/h328v4.html?utm_source=openai)). Separately, the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act (HB 1220, 2014) allows registered caregivers to possess hemp extract composed of less than 0.9% THC by weight and at least 5% CBD, with no other psychoactive substances ([ncdhhs.gov](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/north-carolina-drug-control-unit/epilepsy-alternative-treatment-act?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

North Carolina does not currently regulate inbound shipments of hemp or hemp‑derived products beyond federal rules. There is no state‑level age verification requirement or retailer registration for hemp‑derived consumables, though HB 328 (pending) would introduce age limits and tracking requirements ([raleighdispensaries.com](https://raleighdispensaries.com/blog/delta-8-legal-north-carolina?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

There is no active state‑level testing regime for hemp‑derived consumables. HB 328 (2025, proposed) would require testing by ISO 17025‑accredited or DEA‑registered independent labs, with panels including delta‑9 THC (≤0.3%) and other contaminants ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/sessions/2025/bills/house/html/h328v4.html?utm_source=openai)). For cultivation, NCDA&CS rules require hemp samples ≤0.3% THC to be released; >0.3% must be destroyed or used for research only ([oah.nc.gov](https://www.oah.nc.gov/documents/rules/nc-register/nc-register-volume-31-issue-18/open?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Products containing hemp with ≤0.3% delta‑9 THC on a dry weight basis are legal. Registered caregivers may use hemp extract with ≤0.9% THC and ≥5% CBD under the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act ([ncdhhs.gov](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/north-carolina-drug-control-unit/epilepsy-alternative-treatment-act?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Products exceeding 0.3% delta‑9 THC are illegal. There is no explicit state ban on delta‑8, delta‑10, THCA, HHC, etc., but they must still comply with the 0.3% delta‑9 THC limit. Synthetic or intoxicating hemp products may be targeted by HB 328 if enacted ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-raleigh-0699a690-4b82-11f0-8ef5-6de638819a07?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (G.S. 90‑87, effective June 30 2022)
• Hemp permanently excluded from NC Controlled Substances Act (SL 2022‑32, effective June 30 2022)
• No comprehensive state framework for hemp‑derived consumables yet (Advisory Council report, April 2026)
• Epilepsy Alternative Treatment allows hemp extract up to 0.9% THC and ≥5% CBD for registered caregivers (HB 1220, effective 2014)
• Proposed HB 328 (2025) would regulate hemp‑derived consumables including testing, age limits, and tracking

Helpful resource: Learn more about North Carolina, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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