Is CBD Legal in North Carolina?
North Carolina fully complies with the 2018 Farm Bill as of Senate Bill 455 (2022), recognizing industrial hemp (≤ 0.3% Δ⁹‑THC) and permitting hemp-derived CBD Wikipedia+14Colorado Botanicals+14Zebra CBD+14.
- CBD oils, gummies, topicals, and edibles made from hemp are legal for adults
- No medical prescription is required for CBD products NC Cannabis Info Portal+3Colorado Botanicals+3NC Law Talk+3
- Marijuana-Derived Products Remain Illegal
Cannabis products with THC levels above 0.3% are still classified as illegal marijuana in North Carolina .
- Both medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited statewide
- In some counties, small amounts (up to 0.5 oz) are decriminalized with a fine Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15AP News+15
- CBD Gummies & Food Use Are Permissible (for Now)
Hemp-derived CBD gummies are legal in NC, as long as they adhere to the ≤ 0.3% THC rule Sandman & Fitzhugh Attorneys+13Midwest Apologetics+13NC Law Talk+13.
- Shift of FDA classification doesn’t impact their legality
- There are no age restrictions under state law, though many retailers set their own Colorado Botanicals+1Axios+1
Regulation & Licensing
- Selling CBD does not currently require a special license The News & Observer+4NC Cannabis Info Portal+4Zebra CBD+4
- Producers and processors must operate under North Carolina’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Axios+15NC Cannabis Info Portal+15Zebra CBD+15
Law Enforcement Challenges
Police field tests can’t always distinguish CBD from THC‑rich cannabis, which may cause wrongful stops or tests despite legality Sandman & Fitzhugh Attorneys. Upcoming Changes on the Horizon
North Carolina lawmakers are currently debating bills to:
- Introduce age restrictions and packaging rules for hemp-derived products
- Regulate psychoactive hemp products including Delta‑8 and Delta‑9 ABC11 Raleigh-Durham+4Ward and Smith, P.A.+4Port City Daily+4North Carolina Health NewsAxios+1North Carolina Health News+1
- Discuss eventual medical marijuana legalization Zebra CBD+4AP News+4Wikipedia+4
Quick Legal Summary
| Aspect | Legal Status in NC (2025) |
|---|---|
| Hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC) | ✅ Legal to buy, own, and use without prescription |
| Age restrictions | No state-mandated age limit, though some retailers set 18+ |
| CBD edibles and gummies | ✅ Legal under the same THC limits |
| Marijuana-derived CBD (>0.3% THC) | ❌ Illegal – classified as marijuana |
| Recreational/medical cannabis | ❌ Illegal statewide (except a tribal exception) |
| Field testing and enforcement | ⚠️ Risk of unintended arrests due to test limitations |
Why You Can Trust This Guide
- Experience & Expertise: Based on state statutes (S.B. 455, Hemp Pilot Program) and legislative updates Zebra CBD+1NC Law Talk+1Colorado BotanicalsMidwest ApologeticsSandman & Fitzhugh Attorneys+3North Carolina Health News+3Zebra CBD+3NC Cannabis Info Portal+4NC Law Talk+4Zebra CBD+4Wikipedia
- Authoritative Sources: Cited official state and legal commentary
- Trustworthy & Up-to-Date: Includes recent changes and pending bills through summer 2025 Wikipedia+7AP News+7Axios+7NC Law Talk
Final Takeaway
Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in North Carolina if it contains 0.3% THC or less. No special licenses are required for selling CBD, and products like gummies, oils, and creams are fully legal.
However, marijuana-derived products remain illegal, and ongoing legislative updates may bring stricter age limits or product rules. Stay informed to ensure you comply with evolving regulations.
