If you want a medical marijuana card in North Carolina, you’re unfortunately going to be disappointed when I tell you that it’s not possible. Indeed, there’s as much chance of you legally accessing MMJ in NC as there is of witnessing a snowstorm during a typical summer in the tropics.
While North Carolina has decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, efforts to fully legalize the substance have not found strong legislative support. Discussions around comprehensive cannabis legislation often face significant challenges and have yet to result in broad legalization measures.
Yet, if you’re patient, you could end up with MMJ in North Carolina via a truly unexpected source. Below, I outline the existing situation regarding getting a medical marijuana card in North Carolina and also discuss the emerging situation in The Qualla, a place within the state that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (ECBI) call home.
Here’s Why You Can’t Get Medical Marijuana in North Carolina
Sadly, you can forget your notions of attaining a North Carolina medical marijuana card for the foreseeable future. NC decriminalized the possession of up to half an ounce of cannabis almost half a century ago. Alas, this is as far as the state has come in terms of easing restrictions on the substance.
In May 2014, an MMJ bill got to the state’s House Committee but didn’t get any further. For several years, there were no noteworthy attempts to change the situation. This all changed when SB 711, also known as the Compassionate Care Act, was introduced in 2022.
It doesn’t seem likely that much progress will be made until 2024, though. There’s also the possibility that SB 448, a bill that legalizes any prescription drug containing THC if FDA-approved, is passed into law instead. The problem with SB 448 is that the FDA has approved only a tiny number of drugs fitting the above description. It would be a fudge that the anti-marijuana members of North Carolina’s Senate would rather enjoy doing.
Residents must have the chance to get a medical marijuana card in North Carolina. At present, if you are found in possession of more than half an ounce, you could spend up to 45 days in prison. If you are caught with over 1.5 ounces, you face a felony charge with the potential of spending eight months in a prison cell.
A Major Breakthrough Could Be About to Happen
As the state drags its heels over the possibility of allowing MMJ, the ECBI decided to allow medical marijuana to come to its territory in 2021. This group controls an area of land known as the Qualla Boundary, and it is legally permitted to implement an MMJ program as it sees fit since it is classified as a sovereign nation.
It is worth noting that according to research, American Indian adults and adolescents who live on reservations report the highest levels of cannabis usage across any ethnic/racial group in America.
In any case, it seemed certain that the ECBI was going to be selling medical marijuana in North Carolina. In 2022, the wheels started turning, and it was seemingly inevitable that the group would allow outsiders to come in and buy MMJ. However, in May 2023, the ECBI withdrew its support of a huge loan related to the program, so things are currently up in the air.
If and when it becomes possible to get MMJ in the Qualla Boundary, you’ll need to show proof of state residency, along with your medical records. Sales will likely take place from a single dispensary, with the daily limit set at around an ounce of weed. The monthly limit will be six ounces, according to early indications.
Final Thoughts on Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina
At this moment in time, there is no way of attaining MMJ legally in North Carolina. Supporters of marijuana in NC are being continuously frustrated by political opposition.
There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the ECBI, which may yet begin its medical marijuana program within The Qualla. It will be interesting to see if the group proceeds and, if it does, how popular the program will become. If nothing else, allowing the sale of cannabis in The Qualla would heap pressure on the state government to follow suit.
