A coalition of six North Carolina lawmakers, led by State Representative Jordan Lopez (D), introduced House Bill 413 today, which would legalize and regulate marijuana across the state.
The Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act would allow those 21 and older to possess, cultivate, and purchase marijuana while implementing a licensed regulatory system for production and sales.
The bill outlines a framework to regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol, establishing licensed cannabis cultivation facilities, retail outlets, and product testing requirements. It also proposes a 30% excise tax on retail sales, with revenues earmarked for community reinvestment programs, substance abuse treatment, public education, and law enforcement training to detect impaired driving. Although this would give North Carolina one of the highest marijuana tax rates in the nation, it would be less than Washington’s 37% marijuana excise tax.
Key provisions of HB 413 include automatic expungement of past marijuana-related convictions and a social equity program aimed at benefiting communities disproportionately affected by prohibition. The measure would also allow municipalities to impose an additional 2% local tax on sales.
Under the legislation, possession limits would include up to two ounces of marijuana, 15 grams of concentrates, and six plants for personal cultivation. Public consumption and impaired driving would remain prohibited, with penalties for violations.
Although marijuana is illegal in North Carolina, since September, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company has been operating successfully on tribal land, offering marijuana sales to anyone 21 and older. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which owns the store, has seen strong sales despite the state’s prohibition, demonstrating the demand for regulated access. The success of the store has added momentum to legalization efforts, and U.S. Representative Thom Tillis has now voiced support for marijuana legalization, a notable shift from his previous stance.
If passed, the law would take effect in January 2028.
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