If you’re a resident of North Carolina, you probably asking yourself the question “Is CBD legal in NC?” This state is very specific when it comes to its hemp and marijuana laws, which causes a lot of confusion for people living there.
Keep in mind, the biggest issue is the fact that you need hemp or marijuana to create CBD oil. As you probably know, hemp-based items are viewed under more lenient lenses, while marijuana is still an illegal substance according to federal law.
In this article, we will answer the question: “Is CBD legal in NC?” Check it out!
Is CBD legal in NC?
Buying CBD products in other American states is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is go to a local dispensary or order it from an online shop. Some states require a prescription from a doctor that would allow you to purchase the substance.
Generally speaking, as long as the product has a THC content of 0.3% or less, it should be legal for consumption. We usually refer to these substances as CBD or hemp products. Even though this law is pretty simple and straightforward, it doesn’t really work as intended in North Carolina.
The whole issue was caused by the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act that was enacted in 2014. According to this law, children can use hemp-based products to treat certain types of epilepsy.
Before they can do so, they need to be diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a state-recognized neurosurgeon. There should also be evidence that other treatments didn’t help.
In terms of the product’s content, the rules are a bit lenient. The substance can have up to 0.9% THC content, and it should have at least 5% CBD.
Initially, the kids had to participate in a pilot study so that the government could discover if these substances really worked or not. However, things got even better over time.
After a while, the qualifying requirement was amended, so now, all kids in North Carolina can use CBD products as long as they’re diagnosed with the specific, untreatable type of epilepsy.
While this news is great for the young ones, the law is not so forgiving for the adults. If you’re caught in possession of half an ounce or more of marijuana, you will go straight to jail.
This can be recreational or medical marijuana; it doesn’t make any difference. Having less than half an ounce would still result in a misdemeanor.
The status of CBD oil in North Carolina
“CBD product” can mean a lot of things. As we previously mentioned, most of these substances are extracted from hemp.
When extracted from this plant, they will also have a low THC percentage of up to 0.3$, making them legal in most American states, as well as foreign countries. However, even hemp was illegal at one point. In 1970, the plant was criminalized, and up to 2018 and the Farm Bill, you weren’t able to use it.
Based on this, you can now use the plant without legal ramifications. Depending on the state or country you’re in, you might require a prescription, or there might be some other way to control purchases and consumption.
But, in most places, it is a product that can be bought over-the-counter through numerous CBD dispensaries and online shops. According to federal law, marijuana products are still illegal.
That being said, marijuana-based CBD items will also be illegal. You can use hemp-based CBD without any issues, but you need to do it by following a certain set of regulations, all according to the bill.
For example, the manufacturer cannot present CBD as a medical aid or a drug. It shouldn’t also be presented as a supplement or food product.
To finally answer your question, if the product is based on marijuana, it will be illegal. If it is based on hemp, you should be able to use it.
Can an adult become eligible for CBD oil in NC?
The next thing you’re probably wondering is CBD legal in NC for adults? Again, there are certain issues with the law that cause major headaches to everyone.
Oftentimes, North Carolina laws go against each other, which is especially clear in this case. Furthermore, we can say that NC has some of the most confounding CBD laws in the US. For example, there might be a law that allows the use of CBD in adults, but there would be another that prevents it.
Because of all this, CBD manufacturers have taken things into their own hands. They are willing to sell cannabidiol products to almost anyone even if they don’t qualify under North Carolina’s Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act.
In other words, you have the option of buying and using these items of your own accord. Oftentimes, the stores will sell products for some other wellness, or even medical purposes.
Officially, this is illegal but the state government usually doesn’t persecute the perpetrators (whether we’re talking about CBD companies or the users).
Where and how to buy CBD oil in NC?
Regardless of the laws, NC authorities are generally lenient towards cannabidiol items. However, that doesn’t make marijuana-based CBD less illegal.
As previously mentioned, cannabis companies are willing to deliver these products to the state, but that doesn’t guarantee your safety. Even if you get it at your own home address, it might lead to issues.
You can buy hemp and marijuana CBD products from numerous online shops. Keep in mind that some bigger, more reputable shops may cause issues. These substances are somewhat regarded as black market substances, even though you should be able to use hemp-based CBD oil without repercussions.
We suggest that you always buy hemp-based CBD substances. When extracted from hemp, the product should have a much higher concentration of cannabidiol.
They are also less likely to cause any issues. Make sure to check the label beforehand, though. Some companies are putting all sorts of ingredients in their items, so you don’t want to buy something that has excess THC, especially if you live in North Carolina.