Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the marijuana industry or simply want to be able to smoke marijuana in public, you might be wondering about the legality of cannabis in North Carolina. If you are interested in the process of marijuana cultivation, you might also be wondering about the penalties you could face if you were to grow a cannabis crop.
Medical Marijuana
Earlier this year, North Carolina’s Senate approved medical marijuana, the 38th state in the country to do so. The bill would allow doctors to prescribe cannabis for twelve debilitating conditions. The bill also lays out the process for establishing an advisory committee and a system for licensed producers.
The Compassionate Care Act lays out a framework for a new marijuana industry. It would set up a Medical Cannabis Production Commission and a system of distributors. It also requires the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to issue certification identification cards to patients. The DHHS would maintain a database of patients.
The bill also includes a provision to allow patients with terminal illnesses to have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis for medicinal purposes with a doctor’s prescription. This includes people who are in a terminal illness or who are suffering from cancer, glaucoma, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hemp extracts with medicinal properties may be allowed
Unlike the marijuana plant, hemp is a legitimate agricultural crop. It is grown for economic, ecological, and scientific reasons. The Farm Bill of 2018 (or Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) makes hemp legal in the U.S. Previously, marijuana was illegal under the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. It is currently legal in seven states, with the rest of the country largely left in the dust.
Hemp is a crop that is not grown for narcotics, but rather for food, fiber, and chemicals. Its uses are many and diverse. The crop has been shown to have the potential to become a cellulosic ethanol biofuel. In terms of medicine, hemp seeds are used to make medicines and cosmetics.
The FDA has not approved any nonprescription hemp-based products. However, the organization does have the power of attorney over hemp producers. It has sent letters to all current and prospective licensees asking to submit their best efforts to meet its requirements.
Penalties for growing cannabis
Despite the legalization of marijuana in some states, it is still illegal in North Carolina. As such, those who are caught growing cannabis could face serious criminal charges. If you are ever charged with growing marijuana, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help ensure your rights are protected.
Depending on the nature of the offense, the penalty may be a fine, probation, or jail time. While the fine for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is minimal, a conviction for growing more than 10 pounds of cannabis will likely result in a prison sentence.
In addition to prison, a trafficking charge for marijuana is a very serious matter. Trafficking refers to moving and growing cannabis. The minimum sentences for these offenses are relatively severe, but they can range from 25 to 39 months in prison.
Marijuana paraphernalia
Having a stash of the good stuff is no crime in the grand old state of North Carolina, but it is a whole lot more fun to have it on your person. The state ranks highly for marijuana cultivation and distribution. Fortunately, North Carolinians have a few options for dealing with the cannabis plague. The best bet is to make an educated and well-informed decision about which weed joints to patronize. As for your neighbors, they may or may not be swayed from time to time. The good news is that there are many cannabis friendly communities in North Carolina, including the illustrious town of Morganton, located about two hours south of Raleigh.
Marijuana possession
Whether you live in North Carolina or are visiting the state, it’s important to know how marijuana possession is legal. The penalties for marijuana possession vary by the amount of marijuana involved and the intended action. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, you may be required to pay a fine, be placed on probation or spend time in jail.
Possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. Those who are convicted of this charge will be fined up to $200.
The maximum penalty for marijuana possession is 20 days in jail, but it depends on the quantity of marijuana in your possession. If you have a prior criminal record, you may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means you could spend up to 120 days in jail.
