North Carolina Marijuana Compliance
North Carolina marijuana laws have not legalized the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes. Although the possession of marijuana in small amounts is illegal, the state has decriminalized it to some degree, removing jail time as a penalty for 0.5 ounces or less.
Medical marijuana also remains illegal under North Carolina marijuana compliance guidelines. However, medical CBD is legal for qualifying patients, but with strict regulations.
Because of the illegality of marijuana use, North Carolina employers do not face many restrictions if they want to test their job applicants or employees for marijuana use. As with other types of drug testing, North Carolina employers must use approved labs and follow both state and federal guidelines.
Like North Carolina, marijuana is also illegal under federal law. It is important to become familiar with marijuana state vs. federal guidelines to remain compliant under these laws.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding North Carolina marijuana compliance laws.
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This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
North Carolina Marijuana Compliance
North Carolina Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Fully Illegal
North Carolina marijuana laws have not legalized the use of marijuana in the state. Both recreational and medicinal marijuana are illegal in North Carolina, although the possession of half an ounce or less does not result in jail time.
Medical Marijuana: Illegal
Medical marijuana is illegal in North Carolina. However, medical CBD is available for patients with specific qualifying medical conditions. Medical patients that qualify may possess cannabis extracts that contain less than nine-tenths of one percent THC and at least five percent CBD.
Decriminalized: Yes
Marijuana remains illegal under North Carolina marijuana laws, but the state has decriminalized the possession of marijuana in small amounts to some degree. Although the possession of marijuana under a half of an ounce is a misdemeanor, there is no jail time, only a fine.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
North Carolina does not have recreational marijuana laws legalizing its use in the state, but the possession in small amounts has been decriminalized to not carry the penalty of jail time under North Carolina marijuana compliance.
Last updated 1/15/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in North Carolina?
No. Marijuana is a Schedule VI drug in North Carolina and is not legal in the state for medical or recreational purposes. However, the state has decriminalized the possession of marijuana in small amounts, taking away jail time for the possession of half an ounce or less.
Are there any unique laws about marijuana in North Carolina?
The cultivation of marijuana of any amount in North Carolina is a felony, punishable by three months to 18 years in jail and a fine of $1,000 to $200,000.
What is the punishment for possession in North Carolina?
The possession of 0.5 ounces of marijuana or less is a misdemeanor in North Carolina, with no jail time but a fine of $200. The possession of up to 1.5 ounces is also a misdemeanor punishable by one to 45 days in jail and a fine of $1,000.
The possession of marijuana between 1.5 ounces and 10 pounds is a felony that results in three to eight months of jail and a $1,000 fine. Any amount higher than 10 pounds with the intent to distribute is a felony. Punishments range from 25-222 months in jail and a fine of $5,000 to $200,000, depending on the possession amount.
The sale or delivery of marijuana in any amount is a felony, punishable by four months to more than 18 years in jail and a fine of up to $200,000.
Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing
If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:
For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.