North Carolina Bill Would Set Age Requirement for Hemp Products

A new North Carolina Senate proposal would create a 21-year age requirement for purchasing or possessing hemp products, including delta-8 or delta-9-infused edibles and beverages, WRAL News reports.

The bipartisan Senate Bill 59 advanced to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday. The proposal would also set the age requirement for purchasing kratom at 21.

The issue is popular among both Republicans and Democrats, and Gov. Josh Stein (D) has also called for better regulation of the products, but previous efforts have faltered.

“We’ve got the good sense to put an age limit on these types of products, that is the lowest hanging fruit that there is.” — State Rep. Jimmy Dixon (R), in a statement to the House Agriculture and Environment Committee

A spokesperson for the governor’s office said the administration is reviewing the bill.

“Earlier this year, the NC Advisory Council on Cannabis provided an interim report with informed guidance for the General Assembly to address the unregulated sale of cannabis in North Carolina, including recommending a minimum age requirement,” the spokesperson said in the report. “The Governor is eager to work with the legislature to protect our kids and bring order to this Wild West market.”

If passed into law, the age limit would take effect on December 1, 2026.