Is Medical Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in North Carolina, but its use is highly restricted. Patients seeking medical Marijuana treatment in north Carolina have a few options. The state passed legislation in 2015 with House Bill 766, also known as the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act. Under this law, only patients with intractable epilepsy are allowed to use medical marijuana, and the marijuana must contain less than 0.9% tetrahydrocannabinol (low-THC cannabis). The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) oversees the state’s medical marijuana program. North Carolina residents who are enrolled in the EBIC may also get a marijuana card. To to qualify for enrollment, EBIC members must possess at least 1/16 degree of Eastern Cherokee blood.
Overview of Medical Marijuana in the United States
Marijuana, often called cannabis, has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes. In the modern context, cannabis is often used to alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, nausea, and anxiety. In recent years, many states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana, while others have gone further by legalizing recreational use as well. As of 2025, medical marijuana is legal in over 30 states, but each state has its own specific regulations and guidelines.
Some states, such as California, Colorado, and Oregon, have progressive marijuana laws, while others like Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina still maintain stricter regulations. North Carolina is one of those states that has yet to fully embrace the medical marijuana movement, despite growing support for its legalization.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina in 2025
As of February 2025, North Carolina does not have a state-run medical marijuana program. However, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) operates its own medical marijuana program, which is available to all North Carolina residents. To obtain a medical marijuana card through the EBCI, follow these steps:
1. See a Healthcare Provider: Book an appointment with a licensed healthcare professional to receive a signed Doctor’s Attestation Form or a Medical Summary verifying a diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions recognized by the EBCI medical marijuana program.
2.Prepare Required Documentation: Gather the following documents:
- A government-issued ID confirming North Carolina residency.
- A recent photograph.
- For designated caregivers, a Healthcare Power of Attorney document.
3. Apply online: Schedule an appointment online with one of our qualified physicians to get stared on getting the all natural treatment you deserve.
4. Receive Marijuana Card: Upon approval, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card, which is valid for one year.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Use
In states where medical marijuana is legal, qualifying conditions vary from one jurisdiction to another. Typically, patients with serious medical conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and epilepsy can qualify for medical marijuana prescriptions. In some states, mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD are also included. However, North Carolina has not yet passed legislation to set up a medical marijuana program with defined qualifying conditions.
Proponents argue that a system could be developed in North Carolina similar to other states, where individuals with qualifying conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card and purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. This would ensure that marijuana use is regulated and supervised by medical professionals. Despite this, the state legislature has continued to oppose these efforts.
Legislative Attempts to Legalize Medical Marijuana
While medical marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina, there have been efforts over the years to change the law. The most notable attempt came in 2014, when the state passed the “Charlotte’s Web” law, which allowed for the use of a specific type of cannabidiol (CBD) oil for the treatment of epilepsy, particularly in children with intractable seizures. The law did not legalize medical marijuana as a whole but allowed the use of cannabis-derived CBD oil with very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
Despite this limited provision, advocates for full medical marijuana legalization have continued to push for change. In 2015, the North Carolina Medical Society and other organizations released a statement in support of further research into the medicinal benefits of marijuana. A few attempts have been made to introduce bills that would allow broader access to medical marijuana, but none have passed through the state legislature.
In 2023, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill known as the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. This bill sought to legalize medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Despite the momentum behind the bill, it ultimately failed to pass in the Senate. The issue of marijuana legalization remains deeply divided along political lines, with conservative lawmakers typically opposing it and progressive lawmakers supporting it.
Potential for Future Legalization
Given the shifting public opinion and the success of medical marijuana programs in other states, there remains hope that North Carolina will eventually legalize medical marijuana. As neighboring states like Virginia and South Carolina have passed or are considering marijuana reform, North Carolina may feel pressure to follow suit.
However, given the current political climate in North Carolina, it is difficult to predict when, or if, full legalization will take place. The future of medical marijuana in North Carolina largely depends on the actions of state lawmakers and whether they can be convinced to change their stance. Additionally, continued advocacy from medical professionals, patient groups, and the public will play a significant role in shaping the future of marijuana legislation in the state.