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How NC regulations on hemp, marijuana and kratom might shift

Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization

North Carolina continues to grapple with regulating hemp, marijuana, and kratom through legislative and judicial actions focusing on age restrictions, school bans, licensing, and search rules. Lawmakers in the state have advanced multiple proposals to tighten youth access to hemp products. The state Senate has pushed comprehensive hemp regulations, including strict licensing requirements.

Courts are tackling whether the smell of marijuana alone can justify searches, as hemp legalization raises new legal questions.

Meanwhile, bills in the legislature aim to regulate kratom sales by banning them for those under 21 and managing product safety.

Jars are filled with CBD gummies at Cannabliss Dispensary, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Chapel Hill, N.C.

NO. 1: WHY NC LAWMAKERS SAY THERE’S STILL HOPE FOR BILLS TO BAN HEMP SALES TO MINORS

Previous bills to prohibit hemp sales to minors have failed — including one that died after medical marijuana legalization was tacked on. What are the prospects this year? | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

Kratom, a plant-based derivative that in low doses produces a stimulant effect and in high doses a sedative effect, is available over the counter. It is not approved by the FDA for any medical use. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 2: CONTROVERSIAL SUBSTANCE USED FOR PAIN, ANXIETY COULD BE BANNED FOR NC BUYERS UNDER 21

NC lawmakers are considering new restrictions, including limiting synthetic versions. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

An example of CBD gummies tested by Delta 9 Analytics in Raleigh. The lab specializes in the analysis of industrial hemp, cannabis and cannabinoid-derived products. By Travis Long

NO. 3: SWEEPING HEMP REGULATIONS WOULD OVERHAUL ‘WHAT IS BEING SOLD IN OUR COMMUNITIES’

“This is not a bill that was written by the cannabinoid industry for the benefit of the cannabinoid industry. This bill was written with public good front and center,” Sen. Amy Galey said. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

Rep. John Bell addresses House members during the opening day of the 2025 House session on Jan. 29, 2025 in Raleigh. By Robert Willett

NO. 4: POWERFUL NC LAWMAKER LEADS HEMP FIRM AS TIGHTER RULES FACE LEGISLATIVE GRIDLOCK

Rep. John Bell has one foot in the hemp industry and the other in the legislature. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

The North Carolina Senate agreed to legalize marijuana for medical use, but not the House. By Getty Images | Royalty Free

NO. 5: HEMP IS LEGAL IN NC. SHOULD SMELL BE ENOUGH FOR POLICE TO SEARCH YOU?

Hemp looks and smells like marijuana. | Published September 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.