North Carolina’s top lawmakers are keeping medical marijuana on the table—but full legalization remains a no-go for now. As the state’s House and Senate continue their slow dance around cannabis reform, patients and advocates are watching closely. Let’s dive into where things stand and what the future might hold.
Medical Marijuana: Still Up for Debate in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the few states in the U.S. without a legal medical marijuana program. But that could soon change—if lawmakers find common ground.
Senate President Phil Berger (R) recently said that while full recreational legalization is unlikely this session, there is still strong support for medical cannabis. Speaking to WXII 12 News, Berger explained that the Senate would “wait and see”what the House of Representatives decides before moving forward.
Key Points:
- Medical marijuana bills have passed the Senate in past sessions but have consistently stalled in the House.
- Senate Bill 350 would create medical and adult-use cannabis systems, while House Bill 413 focuses only on recreational use.
- Berger made it clear: “There’s no chance of full recreational marijuana legalization this session.”
- The Senate still likely has the votes to pass a medical-only bill.
What’s Holding Things Up?
Even though Senate leaders are ready to discuss medical cannabis, the House has been slower to act. Activists like Kevin Caldwell from the Marijuana Policy Project were surprised that no medical-only bills have surfaced yet in this session.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R) hinted that House Republicans might be more open to considering medical marijuana this time around—but no bill has officially been introduced by the House yet. Instead, Hall expects a bill from the Senate.
This political back-and-forth has been the main reason North Carolina patients are still waiting.
What Do North Carolinians Want?
The people have spoken—and loudly. A poll from February 2025 found that 71% of likely voters in North Carolina support legalizing medical marijuana. Support crosses party lines, age groups, and regions, showing how mainstream the idea has become.
Even though voters are ready, lawmakers continue to tread carefully. Many leaders worry about how full legalization could follow medical laws, despite evidence from other states showing controlled, well-regulated programs.
Senator Bill Rabon (R), a cancer survivor and long-time supporter of medical marijuana, remains a key player. His past bills have passed the Senate but stalled in the House. This session could be different—especially with so much public support.
Hemp and Cannabinoids: Another Path Forward?
Alongside medical marijuana, lawmakers are looking at hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8 THC. Senate President Berger has said there’s an opportunity to address both medical cannabis and hemp regulation together during this session.
This could give North Carolina patients more access to natural therapies, even if full medical marijuana legislation faces delays.
Cannabis, Wellness, and the High Science Vision
At High Science, we believe access to safe, natural medicines like cannabis is a human right. Medical cannabis is more than a political issue—it’s a wellness issue.
Thousands of North Carolinians could benefit from cannabis treatments for chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, and more. Denying access only harms patients who are seeking relief when other treatments have failed.
Our mission is to educate, ignite the senses, and push the boundaries of cannabis culture. Honest dialogue and responsible reform create safer, healthier communities—and bring us closer to a world where plant medicine is respected and embraced.
North Carolina’s cannabis future is still uncertain, but the conversation is heating up. Medical marijuana remains on the table, and voter support has never been stronger. At High Science, we’ll keep advocating for smart, compassionate cannabis laws that put patients first. Stay tuned as we continue to push for a more open and enlightened future for cannabis wellness.
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