Legislation in North Carolina that would legalize adult-use cannabis for those 21 and older, including establishing a licensed and regulated system of marijuana businesses, now has 13 sponsors.
House Bill 413 was filed on Monday by a coalition of six Democratic lawmakers. In the two days since being filed, the measure has garnered seven additional sponsors.
Sponsors now include Representatives Jordan Lopez (D), Aisha Dew (D), Zack Forde-Hawkins (D), Mary Harrison (D), Eric Ager (D), Mary Belk (D), Tracy Clark (D), Sarah Crawford (D), Rodney Pierce (D), Lindsey Prather (D), Renee Price (D), James Roberson (D), and Brian Turner (D).
House Bill 413 would allow individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrates. It also allows home cultivation of up to six plants and establishes a regulated retail market. The bill mandates lab testing, potency labeling, and child-resistant packaging while prohibiting advertising that could appeal to minors.
A 30% excise tax would apply to retail sales, with revenue directed toward community reinvestment, substance abuse treatment, education, and law enforcement training for impaired driving detection. Municipalities would have the option to impose an additional 2% local tax. Although this would give NC one of the highest marijuana tax rates in the country, it falls below Washington’s 37% tax rate.
The measure also includes automatic expungement for past marijuana-related convictions and prioritizes social equity in licensing by creating funds for minority-owned businesses and community reinvestment programs.
The bill’s full text can be found here.
[Editor’s Note: Since publication of this article roughly three hours ago, the measure has gained four additional sponsors, bringing the total to 17.]
