summary
Introduced
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO REGULATE THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS. Whereas, changes to federal law in 2018 related to hemp and associated changes in State law have resulted in a surge in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating cannabis products in North Carolina; and Whereas, these products are being sold by retailers like vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores, as well as online, in various forms such as candy, baked goods, snack foods, beverages, and vape pens; and Whereas, these products may contain high levels of intoxicating cannabis, however, there are no State laws or regulations addressing age limits for the sale of these products, and there is no system for identifying or regulating the retailers who sell these products; and Whereas, evidence shows that young children and youth can have severe reactions to ingesting cannabis, including respiratory depression requiring respiratory support, confusion, and intoxication; and Whereas, evidence also shows that cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain, and youth who use intoxicating cannabis can experience multiple negative impacts such as: problems with memory, learning, school and social life; impaired driving; the potential for addiction; and increased risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, and suicidal behaviors; and Whereas, since 2019 and following this surge in the availability of intoxicating cannabis products, the rate of emergency department visits in North Carolina for intoxicating cannabis ingestion (THC ingestion) among children and youth ages 17 and under increased more than 600 percent by 2023, and among older teens the rate increased more than 1,000 percent; and Whereas, the State must protect its children under the age of 21 from intoxicating cannabis products that can harm their health, development, and safety; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill creates a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumable products in North Carolina, focusing primarily on protecting children and youth from these products. The legislation establishes a new Chapter 18D in the state's General Statutes that defines hemp-derived consumable products, creates a permit system for retailers, and implements strict age restrictions and sales regulations. Key provisions include requiring retailers to obtain permits from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission, mandating that sellers verify the age of purchasers (must be 21 or older), and establishing penalties for selling these products to minors. The bill defines hemp-derived consumable products as items containing hemp-derived cannabinoids with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, and it creates a comprehensive system for permitting, inspecting, and regulating the sale of these products. The legislation was prompted by a significant increase in emergency department visits related to cannabis ingestion among children and youth, with rates rising over 600% since 2019. The bill aims to protect young people from potential health risks associated with these products, including impacts on brain development, mental health, and potential addiction. Retailers will be required to obtain permits, train employees on age verification, and display warning signs about age restrictions, with potential penalties including fines, permit suspension, or revocation for non-compliance.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (15)
Allen Chesser (R)*,
Patricia Cotham (R)*,
Tim Reeder (R)*,
Brian Biggs (R),
William Brisson (R),
Gloristine Brown (D),
Grant Campbell (R),
Carla Cunningham (D),
Frances Jackson (D),
Neal Jackson (R),
Jeff McNeely (R),
Garland Pierce (D),
Renée Price (D),
Phil Rubin (D),
Bill Ward (R),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 04/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H680 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H680v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H680v0.pdf |
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