Cannabis is not currently legal for adult or medical use in North Carolina, with the exception of cannabis-derived THC products that have been approved by the FDA to treat conditions like epilepsy. Legalization bills have made progress in the state legislature but the state is not expected to pass any legislation regarding cannabis in the near future.
In order to apply for a license in North Carolina, here are the top items you want to complete to be successful starting your journey into the cannabis space:
- Decide what type of business (or businesses) you want to pursue cannabis business licenses for.
Review the list of license types available for application to determine what might be the best fit for you and your business aspirations.
- Assemble Your Team
The next step is to gather your team of experts. Having financial backing in the form of investors is crucial so that you are able to procure consultation services, a location, and other resources along the way. Don’t make the mistake of getting knee-deep in your plan and then running out of money to see it through. After you’ve made sure your funding is set, assemble your team of people you can trust. Specifically, you want people who have experience in the industry and who are well-informed so that you can highlight your team’s expertise in your application.
- Secure a Property
Prior to obtaining a license you will need to secure property that is zoned correctly and able to support the needs of a cannabis business. This can, at times, be the most challenging part of the process. Our team has worked with countless municipalities to assist our clients in obtaining compliant properties in correctly zoned areas.
- Draft Your Application
Application requirements vary between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and narrative forms surrounding the expectations you have for your business. Either way, these need to be compliant with all state, local, and federal regulations. Ensuring that you are compliant is one of the most important steps in the application process. Canna Business Services has years of experience drafting award-winning applications for our clients in competitive states. Set up a meeting with us today to discuss how we can help you with your business.
Read more on our blog about how to take the first steps towards licensure.
Cannabis is not currently legal for adult or medical use in North Carolina, with the exception of cannabis-derived THC products that have been approved by the FDA to treat conditions like epilepsy. Medical marijuana legislation passed the Senate in 2022 and 2023, but both times, the state House of Representatives adjourned without hearing the bills. This is despite the fact that 78% of voters in North Carolina support the legalization of medical cannabis. North Carolina, however, is one of 24 states in the nation that does not provide for citizen-initiated ballot measures.
There is some forward progress in the medical cannabis industry, as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (ECBI) began medical marijuana sales on April 20, 2024 in Cherokee, North Carolina. Native American tribes such as the ECBI are permitted to establish marijuana programs on tribal lands outside the scope and enforcement of state officials. The ECBI legalized medical marijuana in 2021 and recreational cannabis in September 2023, though there is no timetable for adult use.
