North Carolina Bill Would Put Adult-Use and Medical Cannabis Questions on November Ballots 

A bill proposed in North Carolina would put two cannabis legalization questions on November ballots, WNCN reports. If passed, voters would consider two constitutional amendments during the general election – one to legalize cannabis for medical use and one to legalize cannabis for adult use. 

State Sen. Caleb Theodros (D), one of the bill sponsors, said the drafters of the legislation – three Democrats – “wanted to put it up to the voters.” 

“I think for over a decade now, the General Assembly has failed to act on this question. The only folks who are willing to act are voters.” — Theodros to WNCN 

If voters approve the measures, lawmakers would then be required to create the legal frameworks for the programs as the proposals do not include how either program would be administered. 

Last month, Gov. Josh Stein (D) endorsed a recommendation from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ Advisory Council on Cannabis to legalize adult-use cannabis. Stein said the council’s report provided state lawmakers “with guidance and makes clear that a well-regulated market, including both oversight and enforcement authority, is a safer market” for the state.  

Since 2024, adult-use cannabis has been available at dispensaries owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in the Qualla Boundary.