In June, NC Governor Josh Stein created the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis. They will hold meetings over the next several months to study “best practices and learn from other states to develop a system that protects youth, allows adult sales, ensures public safety, promotes public health, supports North Carolina agriculture, expunges past convictions of simple THC possession, and invests the revenue in resources for addiction, mental health, and drugged driving detection.”
NORML members and supporters should use the online form for members of the public to provide comments to the Council here.
North Carolina is one of the few remaining states without an effective medical cannabis program, and simple possession of more 1.5 ounces is still classified as a felony.
The ongoing prohibition of marijuana financially burdens taxpayers, encroaches upon civil liberties, engenders disrespect for the law, and disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Since 2018, police have arrested over 187,000 North Carolinians for violating marijuana laws, according to data compiled by the FBI. Over 96 percent of those arrested were charged with simple possession only. This is a terribly destructive policy that disrupts people’s lives and has lasting consequences.
We encourage you to include the paragraph above in your comments to the Council, and you can find additional information and citations to support your positions in NORML’s Fact Sheets.