Proposed NC bill regulates hemp-derived products while Governor announces new cannabis advisory council
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Lawmakers are considering a bill that aims to regulate hemp-derived products like delta-9. It's an issue the state has grappled with for years.
Chris Karazin has opened three Carolindica locations since starting his business in 2020.
'The popularity has been tremendous for these products,' said Karazin.
He specializes in manufacturing hemp-derived products. Those products are different from marijuana as they do not contain the same level of THC.
'So the lines are somewhat blurry, as you can imagine, but the base concept is that they're both the same plant,' Karazin explained.
Part of the reason the lines are blurred is that the hemp industry is largely unregulated in North Carolina. Federal law only requires hemp products to contain less than 0.3% THC.
'We do our best to be an example of third-party lab tests and safety, security, all of those types of things,' said Karazin, 'and there is always going to be some bad players that, without some of these bills like we're here to talk about today going into effect, it's difficult for us to truly help the consumers and the regulatory decision makers.'
Karazin only allows people 21 and over to purchase from his stores and sends products off for third-party testing. Neither of those practices are required by law.
'There isn't a designated body of regulatory oversight that would essentially be in charge of all of this. We follow all the standard laws. In fact, we're almost creating some of our own,' Karazin said.
PREVIOUSLY: Two North Carolina bills filed to legalize marijuana
Proposed Senate Bill 265 aims to wrangle in the cannabis industry. It calls for sellers to be licensed and for buyers to be age 21 and over. The bill would also require childproof packaging and clear labeling of THC content.
Governor Josh Stein this week announced the creation of a State Advisory Council on Cannabis.
'I am charging this group with studying and recommending a comprehensive approach to regulate cannabis sales. They will study best practices and learn from other states to develop a system that protects youth, allows adult sales, ensures public safety, promotes public health, supports North Carolina agriculture, expunges past convictions of simple THC possession, and invests the revenues in resources for addiction, mental health, and drugged driving detection,' said Stein.
With no current age minimum to purchase cannabis products, the governor says children are at risk.
'Our state's unregulated cannabis market is the wild west and is cying for order. Let's get this right and create a safe, legal market for adults that protects kids,' Stein said.
'When you have some bad apples out there, it can spoil the sack, right? So our goal is to try and get this bill into action and that should help us kind of clean up our industry a little bit,' Karazin said.
The governor's council will submit its preliminary recommendations for a comprehensive cannabis policy, including any proposed legislation, to the governor by March 15, 2026, and its final recommendations by December 31, 2026.
With some support from the Governor for regulations, Karazin is hopeful to finally have a solid framework to move his industry forward.
Senate Bill 265 cleared the state Senate on first reading and is now referred to the Senate Rules Committee for review. There's no scheduled date yet for lawmakers will hear the bill again.
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