While most states take baby steps toward cannabis reform, one North Carolina lawmaker is proposing a giant leap forward. Representative Jordan Lopez has introduced legislation that would bypass medical cannabis entirely and jump straight to full adult-use legalization—a first in American cannabis policy.
The “Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act”
Democratic Rep. Lopez from Mecklenburg County filed House Bill 413 on March 17, laying out a comprehensive plan to regulate and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older. If passed, the 19-page bill would allow adults to:
- Possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower
- Carry up to 15 grams of concentrate or 2,000 milligrams of THC
- Grow up to six cannabis plants at home
The legislation would create a licensed marketplace for cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and sales—despite North Carolina being one of just eight states that hasn’t even legalized medical cannabis yet.
High Taxes with a Purpose
The bill proposes a 30% excise tax on cannabis sales, which would be the second highest in the nation after Washington’s 37%. Local governments could add another 2% tax if they choose.
What makes this proposal stand out is where the money would go. A full 25% of tax revenue would fund a Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund aimed at helping communities most harmed by cannabis prohibition and systemic racism.
“Not only is this a widely used drug, but it’s legal in a number of states across the country,” Lopez told WFAE. “Let’s do what’s right. Make it legal. Let’s expunge records.”
The bill specifically references a 2020 ACLU report that found Black Americans are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession despite similar usage rates. To address this disparity, the legislation would automatically expunge certain cannabis convictions by July 2028.
Uphill Political Battle
Despite Lopez’s enthusiasm, the bill faces major obstacles in North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature. House Speaker Destin Hall has previously opposed cannabis legalization of any kind.
Lopez acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic. “A lot of mixed reactions, as to be expected, but a majority of North Carolinians want to see marijuana legalized, either recreationally and/or medically,” he wrote on social media. “While I clearly support the former, this conversation is still long overdue!”
A recent Meredith College poll found 71% of North Carolina voters support medical cannabis legalization, though the survey didn’t ask about adult-use.
Key Details of the Bill
Other important aspects of the legislation include:
- A Cannabis Enterprise Opportunity Fund that would provide zero-interest loans to social equity applicants
- Local control allowing municipalities to ban cannabis businesses (but not deliveries or transportation)
- Prohibition of public consumption and using cannabis while driving
- Child-resistant packaging requirements and bans on products appealing to children
Current Cannabis Status in North Carolina
Currently, possessing any amount of cannabis in North Carolina is illegal, with more than half an ounce potentially resulting in jail time and amounts over 1.5 ounces constituting a felony.
The only exception is on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina, where the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians launched legal sales in September 2024.
Whether North Carolina takes the unprecedented step of skipping medical cannabis entirely or continues on a more traditional path, the conversation around reform is clearly accelerating in the Old North State.
