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License Types
Licenses Coming Soon

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 2022.

What You Need To Apply

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Read more on our blog about how to take the first steps towards licensure.

History of Cannabis in
North Carolina

The North Carolina State Senate passed the Compassionate Care Act in June of 2022, which would have legalized cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions. However, the bill was defeated in the state’s House of Representatives the same time that they passed Senate Bill 448 legalizing FDA-approved cannabis medications like Epidiolex, Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet. The bill’s defeat despite significant bipartisan support indicates that the North Carolina legislature is still divided on medical cannabis legalization, though a majority of North Carolina residents support legalization in some form.

There may be a medical cannabis dispensary opening soon within the Qualla Boundary reservation land in western North Carolina held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose tribal council has established a medical cannabis program. The Eastern Band’s status as a federally recognized Tribe permits them to set their own rules regarding medical cannabis legalization within reservation lands. This dispensary would be able to provide cannabis products to North Carolina residents regardless of tribal affiliation, provided they have a qualifying condition.