North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of a new cannabis policy advisory council aimed at closing regulatory loopholes and protecting public health amid rising availability of intoxicating THC products. The announcement comes as the state faces growing concerns over youth access to unregulated hemp-derived cannabis sold in vape shops across North Carolina.
Currently, hemp-derived products with intoxicating levels of THC are legally sold due to federal and state legal gray areas. Governor Stein emphasized that while adults should be able to use cannabis products, current regulations fail to ensure safety, accurate labeling, or enforceable age restrictions.
“This is the Wild West,” said Stein in an interview with WRAL. “Kids can walk into vape shops and legally buy THC products packaged like candy, with no oversight.”
The advisory council, which will include lawmakers from both parties, law enforcement, health officials, and representatives from tribal governments, will study how other states have addressed cannabis legalization and propose a model that balances access with safety.
Stein also expressed support for adult recreational use of cannabis, provided it is regulated similarly to alcohol through an ABC-style system. He called for standardized testing, ingredient labeling, concentration disclosure, and age restrictions.
He criticized current laws that allow intoxicating THCa products—non-psychoactive in raw form but converting to THC when smoked or vaped—to remain unregulated. These products often comply with the federal 0.3% Delta-9 THC threshold but still produce psychoactive effects when consumed.
“We need a cannabis control system,” said Stein. “What’s sold today is potent, poorly labeled, and legally accessible to minors. That’s unacceptable.”
The governor also said he supports expunging the criminal records of adults previously convicted for minor marijuana possession and is exploring his authority to issue pardons or commutations.
While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in North Carolina, the Cherokee tribal territory has legalized marijuana sales on its lands (The Great Smokey Cannabis Company). Stein said he hopes to learn from their experience.
The General Assembly has yet to adopt major cannabis reform, but Stein hopes this advisory council will break political gridlock and lead to consensus-driven legislation that protects children, informs adults, and ensures public safety.
