Is CBD Legal in North Carolina? [Legality & Where To Buy From]

Is CBD Legal in North Carolina? [Legality & Where To Buy From]

Posted by Christian on 26th Apr 2023

The discourse regarding the legality of cannabidiol or CBD still has many plot holes, especially in the US. Some states impose very stringent legal requirements for the use, manufacture, and distribution of CBD products. Some states, however, are not that strict. But is CBD legal in North Carolina? Well, the answer is not as simple as a yes or no.

The state of North Carolina has specific laws when it comes to CBD use and retail. If you are interested in knowing the legal background of cannabidiol and where to buy CBD in North Carolina, here are some things you need to know.

What is CBD?


What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the major psychoactive components isolated from hemp plants. CBD accounts for around 40% of the plant extract.

CBD is closely associated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Hemp plants do have THC, but only at very low levels. That is why hemp extract is considered to be dominantly CBD-based.

Don’t be confused by these two substances, though. While they are both psychoactive, only THC causes the “high” because they directly attach to specific receptors in the brain. CBD also interacts with these receptors, but the mode of attachment is different, making its effects milder.

The most common application of CBD is in medical use. For instance, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the prescription of Epidiolex for treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epidiolex has cannabidiol as its active ingredient.

Research about the potential of CBD to address anxiety, neurological disorders, and movement complications is also increasing. However, the worldwide medical community still regards the efficacy of CBD against these as inconclusive. More data is needed to finalize these studies.

Because cannabidiol stimulates the nervous system, just like caffeine, it has found its way to some recreational and non-medical applications. These include:

  • Vape Juice. For non-smokers, one way to let CBD into your bloodstream is through vaping. There are available vape juice products that have CBD in the components. Using this juice in your cartridge will feel the same as regular vaping but with extra flair.

  • Food and Beverages. CBD is sometimes infused into snack bars or energy drinks as an “herbal additive.” People report that occasional consumption of CBD in their diet boosts their mood and helps relieve their anxiety.

  • Cigarettes. Do you want a new smoking experience? Cigarettes made of dried hemp have enough CBD levels to make you feel relaxed and stress-free. And because of the low THC levels, hemp cigarettes will not make you feel the “high-then-crash” feeling.

  • Sports Use. Unlike marijuana and hashish, cannabidiol is not included in the list of prohibited substances. This statement is according to the World Anti-Doping Agency. Most athletes who use CBD claim that doing so helps relieve muscle pains.

  • Pet Treats. Yes, dogs and cats can take CBD too! There are a couple of pet treats and gummies that are infused with safe amounts of cannabidiol for your fur babies.


Whether it is for medical or non-medical use, it can not be denied that cannabidiol has gained widespread use among people. However, issues on the legality of CBD are still existent, and they are holding back the progress of this substance.

Is CBD Legal in North Carolina?


Is CBD Legal in North Carolina?

If you are a resident of NC, you might be asking: Is CBD legal in North Carolina 2021? This has been a long withstanding issue, and it is still a gray area now. The thing is that most of the CBD products in this state are from hemp extracts, so the laws focus on hemp-derived CBD.

What is the CBD law in North Carolina? Let’s look at the CBD-related legislation in this state to understand when CBD use is considered legal or illegal.

North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act


The policymakers of N.C. approved this legislation, originally House Bill 1220, last 2014. This act permits the use of hemp extract as part of the treatment given to children who have epilepsy. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees these matters.

The CBD concentration in the hemp extract should be at least 5% by weight. Another important constraint is the amount of THC; it should be less than 0.9% by weight. Hemp extracts that do not meet these requirements are not considered legal CBD products for epilepsy treatment.

Aside from the quality specifications, the Act also has strict requirements when it comes to the administration of the treatment. Each child with epilepsy should have a caregiver and a neurologist who is listed in the New Carolina DHHS registry.

Industrial Hemp Pilot Program in North Carolina


This program is beneficial to a larger demographic because it does not apply to the medical use of hemp extracts alone. What is the CBD law in North Carolina that started this?

It was rooted when the NC General Assembly approved Senate Bill 313 last 2015, giving rise to the Industrial Hemp Commission. It was further modified last 2016 to accommodate adjustments.

Agribusiness research and development for industrial hemp are the main thrusts of this program. As stipulated in the implementing regulations, any cannabis variety with a THC level of less than 0.3% can be marketed as industrial hemp.

Due to this program’s support for hemp research, more licensed hemp growers can develop CBP products from hemp extracts. Of course, these products are subject to strict tests, especially with the determination of their THC percentage.

Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018


Is CBD legal in North Carolina and the entire US? Because of this act, yes, so long as it is extracted from industrial hemp.

Also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, this country-wide act legalized the cultivation and processing of hemp. It also removed hemp-derived CBD from the list of controlled substances and reclassified it as an agricultural product instead. This makes the possession of CBD legal in NC.

An issue that arose from the 2018 Farm Bill is the boom of food products that are labeled as “CBD-infused”. According to the Food and Drug Administration, most of these food items are made with hemp seeds, which have very little to no CBD content.

As such, labeling those products as “CBD-infused” is outright misleading. FDA warns against the commercialization of such products, effectively making them illegal. If you want to make sure that the CBD products you are getting are legitimate, source them from trusted stores.

What is the CBD Possession Limit in North Carolina?


What is the CBD Possession Limit in North Carolina?

Health-related CBD products like Epidiolex are considered prescription meds, so stocking up on them is not unusual. However, for those who use cannabidiol as recreational supplements, the looming question might be: is CBD legal in North Carolina at specified amounts?

The answer is a bit surprising. Apparently, as of 2021, there is no legislation or bill in NC that dictates the possession limit of CBD for state residents. Previously mentioned laws, like the Senate Bill 313 of 2015, do not have provisions specific to possession limits.

The only constraint worth mentioning is that CBD products should have a THC level lower than 0.3%. As long as items meet the limit, the product containing cannabidiol will not be considered a controlled substance.

Does that mean you can hoard CBD gummies or infused oil products? There is no correct answer here. Choosing the amount of CBD products that you will buy within NC is discretionary.

As a suggestion, you can purchase only what you need, then buy again once you run out of supplies. This practice is safer and may bring you out of potential legal repercussions.

Where to Buy Best CBD Products in North Carolina? 


Where to Buy Best CBD Products in North Carolina? 

In case you are interested in trying CBD products to relieve your stress or insomnia, buy only from reputable stores. Is CBD legal in North Carolina stores? It seems like it is! NC houses a lot of stores that offer cannabidiol products extracted from industrial hemp.

You can buy CBD in North Carolina either from physical stores or from websites. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to weigh its pros and cons.

For instance, physical stores allow you to talk to the shopowners and ask for recommendations. This will help you get the product that suits your needs. However, the downside is that going to the store means driving there, which requires considerable time.

On the other hand, online shopping is a good option as well. Is CBD legal in North Carolina online shops? Yes, and there are a lot of websites selling cannabidiol products.

The main advantage of buying online is convenience. With only a phone and internet connection, you will be able to get your preferred CBD products. Plus, you will get them right at your doorstep. Online transactions may take a couple of days, though, so you need to wait.

Despite the wide availability of online CBD shops, you should know that not all of them are reliable. Some may not be registered to the proper agency. Others may be selling products that do not meet the federal requirements. That is why you need to choose where to buy.

At CBD Genesis, we offer a wide range of high-quality hemp-based CBD products that suit your preferences. All our product offerings adhere to strict legal and laboratory standards to ensure that our customers are safe and satisfied.

Some of our products include:

  • CBD Oil Gummies. A THC-free chewable treat without the characteristic odor of hemp.


CBD Oil Gummies

  • CBD Vape Pods. A delight for vape users. Made from organically grown hemp, these vape pods give the sensation of various hemp strains without the high.


CBD Vape Pods

  • CBD Oil E-Liquid. An additive for vape users. This concentrate boosts the CBD content of your normal vape fluids. 

  • Active CBD Oil Tincture. A water-soluble tincture for the oral consumption of CBD. It comes plain and in flavors like berry, cinnamon, and vanilla.


Active CBD Oil Tincture

Takeaway


Is CBD legal in North Carolina? The answer may not be an absolute yes, but it still means you can use CBD products without legal trouble. Just make sure you buy cannabidiol products from stores that are compliant with federal and state requirements.

CBD Genesis can help provide you with CBD products that you need. Visit our online store now and see what we have to offer.