North Carolina Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on North Carolina hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of September 1, 2026. 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 (Article 5, Chapter 90) as Cannabis sativa with delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/byarticle/chapter_90/article_5.html?utm_source=openai)). Senate Bill 455 (S.L. 2022‑32, as amended by S.L. 2022‑73) permanently excludes hemp and hemp products with Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% from the NC Controlled Substances Act, effective June 30 2022 ([ncleg.gov](https://ncleg.gov/Legislation/SummariesPublication/Summary/2022/8/S455-SMTQ-148%28sl%29-v-6/?utm_source=openai)). Under G.S. 90‑94.1, hemp extract for treating intractable epilepsy must contain < 0.9% THC, ≥ 5% CBD, and no other psychoactive substances ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/byarticle/chapter_90/article_5.html?utm_source=openai)). Proposed HB 328 (2025) would establish a new Chapter 18D to regulate hemp‑derived consumable products, including age restrictions, testing, and packaging rules, but as of today it remains pending ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/sessions/2025/bills/house/html/h328v4.html?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

North Carolina currently defers hemp licensing and regulation to the USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program; there is no state‑specific shipping framework. Inbound shipments of hemp are allowed under federal rules. No state age verification or retailer registration rules are yet in effect beyond federal requirements. HB 328 would add age‑21 verification and licensing, but is not yet law ([ncagr.gov](https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/hemp-nc?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

State law currently does not impose its own testing requirements; hemp testing follows USDA/DHPP rules. HB 328 proposes requiring ISO 17025‑accredited or DEA‑registered independent labs, testing for Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% and other contaminants, but this is not yet enacted ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/sessions/2025/bills/house/html/h328v4.html?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Products compliant with federal law (Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight) are legal. Hemp extract for registered intractable epilepsy caregivers (≤ 0.9% THC, ≥ 5% CBD) is allowed under G.S. 90‑94.1 ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/byarticle/chapter_90/article_5.html?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Products exceeding 0.3% Δ9‑THC are illegal. Hemp extract for epilepsy must meet the specific THC/CBD thresholds. Other cannabinoids (delta‑8, THCA, etc.) are not explicitly addressed in current law—status unknown. Proposed HB 328 would restrict psychoactive cannabinoids and impose per‑serving/container limits, but is not yet law ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/12/north-carolina-hemp-legislation-legisature-marijuana?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC must not exceed 0.3% dry weight per G.S. 90‑87 definition.
• Hemp and hemp products with ≤0.3% Δ9‑THC are excluded from Controlled Substances Act per S.L. 2022‑32, effective June 30 2022.
• Hemp extract for intractable epilepsy must be ≤0.9% THC and ≥5% CBD per G.S. 90‑94.1.
• HB 328 (2025) proposes age‑21 limit, testing, labeling, and per‑serving/container THC caps (not yet law).

Helpful resource: Learn more about North Carolina, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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