A new state report is calling North Carolina’s cannabis market a “Wild West,” warning that unregulated products are widely available and pose growing public health risks.
The draft report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services outlines a system where intoxicating THC products are already being sold across the state with little oversight or consistent standards.
The report comes from a governor-appointed advisory council tasked with recommending how the state should handle cannabis moving forward.
Details
State officials say intoxicating cannabis products are being sold in vape shops, convenience stores, and online without uniform rules for:
- testing
- labeling
- packaging
- age verification
That lack of regulation has created what the report describes as a “dangerous policy gap” between prohibition and meaningful oversight.
The council found that consumers, parents, and law enforcement face growing uncertainty, while youth access and safety concerns continue to rise.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines a major shift in how North Carolina could regulate cannabis.
Instead of treating hemp and marijuana separately, the council recommends regulating products based on THC content and intoxicating effects, regardless of source.
Leaders also support creating a regulated adult-use market, while maintaining protections for medical users.
Proposed safeguards include:
- stricter age limits
- product testing for contaminants
- clearer labeling requirements
- stronger enforcement authority
Officials say this approach would improve safety while bringing accountability to a market that already exists.
Background
The advisory council was created in 2025 by Gov. Josh Stein to study cannabis policy and recommend a comprehensive statewide approach.
North Carolina remains one of the few states without a fully legal cannabis program, even as hemp-derived THC products continue to expand.
The council noted that billions of dollars are already being spent in unregulated or illegal cannabis markets across the state.
A final report with more detailed recommendations is expected in December 2026.
Local Impact
For the Charlotte region and across North Carolina, the report signals that major changes to cannabis laws could be on the horizon.
Lawmakers will ultimately decide whether to adopt a regulated system, but state leaders say action is needed to protect consumers and bring order to the rapidly growing market.
