North Carolina lawmakers have delayed a vote on a controversial hemp ban until after the November election, giving the state’s multibillion-dollar hemp industry a temporary reprieve following a massive show of opposition at the State Capitol.
The North Carolina House of Representatives postponed action on House Bill 328 after hundreds of hemp business owners, employees and advocates rallied in Raleigh. At the same time, dozens of sheriffs, police chiefs and prosecutors urged lawmakers to approve the measure.
The bill, which has already passed the Senate, would ban intoxicating hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. It would also prohibit the sale of hemp products, including CBD, and natural kratom to anyone under 21, while banning synthetic kratom and xylazine.
Hemp industry leaders say the proposal would effectively outlaw nearly all intoxicating hemp products, threatening an industry they estimate generates $4 billion annually and supports 16,000 jobs across North Carolina.
House Speaker Destin Hall said lawmakers agree the current lack of regulation is a problem, especially when it comes to preventing sales to minors. However, he said House members want more time to develop a solution before voting.
Supporters of the bill argue North Carolina’s hemp market has become the “Wild West” because there are currently few restrictions on intoxicating hemp products. They also warn that colorful packaging and candy-like products make them attractive to children.
Hemp businesses, meanwhile, say they support stricter regulations, including a 21-and-over age limit, product testing and marketing restrictions, but oppose what they consider an effective ban on legal hemp products.
For now, intoxicating hemp products remain legal in North Carolina while lawmakers continue debating whether tighter regulations or a broader ban is the better path forward.
