Bill > H563

This bill: - Regulates the sale and distribution of hemp-derived consumable products, imposing an excise tax on those products and banning them from school grounds. - Places tianeptine, xylazine, and kratom on the controlled substance schedules. - Creates the offense of criminal possession and unlawful sale of embalming fluid. - Creates new criminal offenses for exposing a child to a controlled substance. - Enacts the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, establishing a system for the cultivation, processing, and selling of medical cannabis. - Requires certain education about opioids when prescribing Schedule II controlled substances. The bill sets up a licensing and regulatory framework for the sale of hemp-derived consumable products, including restrictions on age of purchase, packaging and labeling requirements, and penalties for violations. It also imposes an excise tax on those products. The bill prohibits the use of hemp-derived consumable products on school grounds. The bill makes several technical changes, including adding certain substances to the controlled substance schedules and creating new criminal offenses related to embalming fluid and exposing children to controlled substances. The centerpiece of the bill is the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, which establishes a system for the medical use of cannabis. This includes creating a Compassionate Use Advisory Board and a Medical Cannabis Production Commission to oversee the program, setting up a registry identification card system for patients and caregivers, and authorizing licensed suppliers to cultivate, process, and sell medical cannabis products. The bill also requires health care providers to educate patients on the risks of opioids when prescribing certain controlled substances. Overall, this bill represents a comprehensive approach to regulating hemp-derived consumable products, expanding access to medical cannabis, and addressing several drug-related issues in North Carolina.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H563