Got weed for Christmas in another state? What to know about bringing it back to NC
For some planning to leave North Carolina for the holidays, Christmas cookies won’t be the only thing getting baked.
Currently, 24 states and two territories allow the use of recreational marijuana, according to U.S. News & World Report.
But if your stocking is filled with gifts of the herbal variety, can you take them back home with you?
Here’s what the law says.
Can you bring weed you got in another state back to NC?
No. Marijuana is a controlled substance in North Carolina, and possession of it is illegal, according to state law. The penalty for possessing marijuana in North Carolina depends on the type, how much you have and how you plan to use it.
The following marijuana offenses are misdemeanors, according to the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws:
Possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use
Possession of up to 0.15 ounces of hash or concentrates
Use, possession, sale, delivery or manufacture of paraphernalia
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you could serve up to 45 days in jail and pay a $1,000 fine, per state law.
Marijuana possession becomes a felony charge when someone has more than 1.5 ounces for personal use or intends to distribute, sell or grow the substance.
Punishment for marijuana-related felony offenses ranges from up to eight months in prison for possession, to a maximum of 219 months in prison and a $200,000 fine for selling or delivering the substance, according to Raleigh-based Manning Law Firm.
What happens in you’re caught crossing NC state lines with weed?
If you’re caught with weed in North Carolina, you could be charged with possession of marijuana, which is a misdemeanor in most cases.
But those caught with more than 10 pounds of marijuana could be charged with felony drug trafficking, according to state law. Marijuana trafficking convictions in North Carolina can result in a minimum of 25 months in prison and a fine of $5,000, according to Floyd Law Offices, a firm based in Raleigh.
What happens if you’re caught with weed at an NC airport?
Transportation Security Administration officers “do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer,” the agency’s website says.
Under federal law, TSA officers are required to report any violations of the law to local, state or federal authorities.
Can NC residents purchase weed in other states?
Yes, North Carolina residents (over the age of 21 in most states) can purchase legal recreational and medical marijuana in other states, the Observer previously reported.
Can you consume marijuana then travel back to NC?
Yes, North Carolina residents can consume marijuana in other states and then drive back home, as long as they don’t drive while under the influence.
Driving “while under the influence of an impairing substance” is illegal in North Carolina, according to state law.
A first-time DWI offense is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and a minimum jail sentence of 30 days, according to First Step Services, a North Carolina-based rehab center.
This story was originally published December 16, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Got weed for Christmas in another state? What to know about bringing it back to NC."
