Marijuana, also known as weed, cannabis, pot, or grass, is a psychoactive substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains over 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana, while CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and neuroprotective properties.
Marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the United States, with about 12% of American adults reporting that they smoked marijuana in 2021. However, the legal status of marijuana varies from state to state, ranging from full prohibition to full legalization. In this article, we will focus on the state of North Carolina, where marijuana is illegal for recreational use and has limited medical exceptions.
Marijuana Laws in North Carolina
Marijuana is considered a Schedule VI substance in North Carolina, which means that it has no accepted medical use and a low potential for abuse. Possession of any amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $200 fine. However, first-time offenders may be eligible for a conditional discharge, which means that their charges will be dismissed if they complete a drug education program and stay out of trouble for a year.
Sale or delivery of marijuana is a felony, with penalties depending on the amount and the location of the offense. For example, selling less than 10 pounds of marijuana is punishable by up to 39 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, while selling more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana is punishable by up to 219 months in prison and a $200,000 fine. Selling or delivering marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or playground is punishable by up to 44 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Cultivation of marijuana is also a felony, with penalties depending on the number of plants. For example, growing less than 10 plants is punishable by up to 25 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, while growing more than 10,000 plants is punishable by up to 219 months in prison and a $200,000 fine.
Medical Marijuana in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have a comprehensive medical marijuana program, but it does allow the use of low-THC/high-CBD cannabis oil for patients with intractable epilepsy. This law, known as the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act or the Hope 4 Haley and Friends Act, was passed in 2014 and amended in 2015.
It allows patients with a written certification from a neurologist affiliated with one of the four state universities (Wake Forest University, Duke University, East Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina) to possess and use cannabis oil that contains at least 5% CBD and less than 0.9% THC. However, the law does not provide any legal means for patients to obtain the cannabis oil, nor does it protect them from federal prosecution.
Marijuana Consumption in North Carolina
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.8% of North Carolina residents aged 12 or older reported using marijuana in the past year, compared to the national average of 15.9%. This ranks North Carolina as the 40th state in terms of marijuana use prevalence.
Among the different age groups, the highest rate of marijuana use was among young adults aged 18 to 25, with 22.9% reporting past-year use, followed by adolescents aged 12 to 17, with 10.1% reporting past-year use. The lowest rate of marijuana use was among adults aged 26 or older, with 7.6% reporting past-year use.
Among the different counties in North Carolina, the highest rate of marijuana use was in Buncombe County, with 14.9% of residents reporting past-year use, followed by Durham County, with 14.4% reporting past-year use. The lowest rate of marijuana use was in Mitchell County, with 3.8% of residents reporting past-year use.
Conclusion
Marijuana is illegal for recreational use and has limited medical exceptions in North Carolina. Possession, sale, delivery, and cultivation of marijuana are punishable by harsh penalties, depending on the amount and the location of the offense.
However, some patients with intractable epilepsy may use low-THC/high-CBD cannabis oil with a doctor’s recommendation, but they have no legal access to the product. Marijuana use is relatively low in North Carolina, compared to other states, but it varies by age group and county. The highest rate of marijuana use is in Buncombe County, while the lowest rate is in Mitchell County.