By Timothy S. Donahue

Top Takeaways:

• Ballot push: North Carolina senators propose cannabis constitutional amendments
• Dual approach: Measures would address both personal and medical cannabis use
• Regulatory questions: Key possession limits and qualifying conditions remain undefined

North Carolina lawmakers are again testing the state’s historically cautious approach to cannabis, this time through proposed constitutional amendments that could ultimately reshape both recreational and medical marijuana policy.

A bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate would place two separate cannabis-related constitutional amendments before voters this November if the legislature approves them.

One proposed amendment would permit personal cannabis use up to a future legal limit, while the second would allow medical cannabis use for patients with qualifying medical conditions. The legislation leaves many of the details unresolved.

The bill does not currently define allowable possession limits, identify qualifying medical conditions, or establish a regulatory framework for cultivation, sales, or taxation. Instead, it states that the North Carolina General Assembly would later enact laws governing those uses if voters approve either amendment.

The measure was filed Monday, passed its first reading Tuesday, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations. If ultimately approved by lawmakers, the referenda would appear on the November ballot.

The proposal arrives nearly a year after Josh Stein signed an executive order in June 2025 establishing the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis.

That advisory body was tasked with studying cannabis policy issues, including public safety, health impacts, agriculture, criminal justice, and economic considerations, as surrounding southeastern states continue to evolve their cannabis laws.

North Carolina remains one of the more restrictive states on cannabis policy despite growing regional pressure, as neighboring and nearby states continue to expand medical or adult-use programs.

The bill also highlights how some lawmakers are increasingly seeking to bypass direct legislative legalization battles by allowing voters to decide cannabis policy questions through constitutional amendments.