The North Carolina General Assembly has been actively discussing and revisiting various legislative bills regarding the use and regulation of cannabis within the state. The Senate Bill 346, filed on January 25, 2023, during the 2023-2024 session, marks a significant step towards changing the current stance on cannabis. This bill aims to legalize the possession and sale of cannabis, presenting a pivotal moment for North Carolina’s legislation. Additionally, the House Bill 929 from the 2021-2022 session, titled the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act, further signifies the ongoing efforts to reevaluate cannabis laws.
Concurrently, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been vigilant in addressing the opioid crisis. Through the “Operation Bottleneck” initiative, conducted between September 25 and October 20, 2023, the DEA took administrative actions against six registered companies. These companies collectively failed to account for over a million doses of opioids, demonstrating the need for stringent regulations and oversight.
In light of these developments, questions regarding cannabis and impaired driving have surfaced. A document from the North Carolina Department of Justice highlights the potential increase in car crashes as recreational cannabis becomes legal in states, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and implementation of any legislative changes.
While the North Carolina General Assembly continues to deliberate on these bills, it is evident that the state is on a path towards reevaluating its stance on cannabis. However, the journey is far from over, and the outcomes of these legislative sessions remain to be seen.
Senate Bill 346 (2023-2024 Session)
DEA Operation Bottleneck
Senate Bill 3 (2023-2024 Session)
House Bill 929 (2021-2022 Session)
Senate Bill 765
Cannabis and Impaired Driving – NCDOJ
Senate Bill 346 (2023-2024 Session) – North Carolina General Assembly
Senate Bill 3 (2023-2024 Session) – North Carolina General Assembly
Eastern District of North Carolina | Fentanyl Trafficking Sentencing
What’s Happening with Medical Marijuana? – North Carolina Legislative
