If you are looking for a North Carolina weed laws resource, you are in the right place. Weed laws in this state are quite interesting, to say the least. For one thing, the state has banned the cultivation and distribution of cannabis for medical use. However, this is not the only oddity. There are laws against purchasing marijuana outside of a licensed dispensary, and penalties for possessing under an ounce.
HB766 Allows Those With Intractable Epilepsy To Use CBD Oil
The Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act allows patients with intractable epilepsy to possess a low-THC CBD cannabis extract. This is done under the oversight of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Patients who qualify for the program must be diagnosed with intractable epilepsy by a neurologist affiliated with a state-licensed hospital. They must also be enrolled by their physician.
Under the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act, a patient must have three options for treatment: prescription medicines, medical cannabis, and CBD oil. Cannabis extracts with less than nine-tenths of one percent THC are recommended for intractable epilepsy.
For a patient to use a low-THC CBD oil, a caregiver must be present. This person must be a legal guardian of the person with intractable epilepsy and a permanent resident of the state. He or she must also carry a certificate of analysis and a letter of approval.
A neurologist must recommend a CBD oil to the patient. He or she must be a board-certified neurologist who is also affiliated with a state-licensed hospital.
Purchasing Cannabis Outside Of a Licensed Dispensary is Illegal
In North Carolina, purchasing cannabis outside of a licensed dispensary is illegal. However, there are a few exceptions for medical patients. If you are a qualifying patient, you can buy up to one ounce of cannabis a day.
Patients may also grow their own marijuana, or cultivate hemp with a THC content of at least 0.3%. Aside from the plant itself, you can buy edibles, tinctures, topical products, and sprays.
The first offense is a Class C misdemeanor. For each subsequent plant, the penalty increases. Typically, you can get a fine of up to $1,000. Depending on your level of cooperation with law enforcement, you may end up spending a month in jail.
The second offense is a felony. You can receive a maximum sentence of six years in prison. It is important to note that third and subsequent convictions were previously felonies.
If you are under 18, you can purchase a maximum of one ounce of cannabis per month. However, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Penalties For Possession Of Under One Ounce of Marijuana
If you are caught with less than one ounce of marijuana, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. This will carry penalties that can include court costs and a fine. However, if you are charged with possession with intent to distribute or a larger amount of marijuana, you will face more severe penalties.
First time marijuana possession offenders may be able to avoid jail time by completing a Pre-Trial Intervention program. This program is a one-time program that takes approximately six months to complete. In the program, you will be required to pass multiple drug tests and perform community service. You will also need to complete a two-to-three page report.
If you are caught with more than one ounce of marijuana, you will be charged with a felony. The penalty for this crime can range from eight months to five years in prison. For a first time offender, you may only be sentenced to a $200 fine.
Minnesota Has The Strangest Marijuana Laws
When it comes to marijuana laws, Minnesota has some of the most confusing ones in the United States. But, that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel. Rather, lawmakers are listening to the calls to legalize weed and are hoping to present a bill to voters by the end of this year.
In the summer of 2018, delegates began working on a marijuana regulatory structure, which is still in progress. Ultimately, the law will replace prohibition with a system of regulation, with the goal of public health. The bill would also include a social equity program, which would provide loans and grants for those in the most need.
There’s also the medical marijuana program, which will treat a small list of approved conditions. While the law is restrictive, it’s a step in the right direction for a state with “draconian” cannabis laws.
The recreational cannabis law has also been pushed back to 2021. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the House and Senate have been working on a medical marijuana program.
