A bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in North Carolina has gained four new sponsors, bringing the total to 12.
House Bill 413, introduced yesterday by State Representative Jordan Lopez (D) along with five cosponsors, also cleared its first reading and was assigned to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee today. The proposal is now cosponsored by State Representatives Aisha Dew (D), Zack Forde-Hawkins (D), Mary Harrison (D), Rodney Pierce (D), Lindsey Prather (D), Renee Price (D), James Roberson (D), Mary Belk (D), Tracy Clark (D), Sarah Crawford (D), and Brian Turner (D).
The Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act would allow those 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. The personal cultivation of up to six plants would also be allowed, as would licensed marijuana retail outlets.
The bill includes a 30% excise tax on retail sales, with revenues directed toward community reinvestment programs, substance abuse treatment, public education, and law enforcement training to detect impaired driving.
The measure also includes automatic expungement of past marijuana-related convictions and a social equity program to assist communities disproportionately affected by prohibition.
If enacted, the law would take effect in January 2028.
[Editor’s Note: This article was originally titled North Carolina Bill to Legalize Cannabis Gains Two New Sponsors, Now Has Eight, but it was updated as four new sponsors were added within an hour of publication.]
