Is Medical Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?
No, medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina. Although several bills have been proposed, the state has yet to pass legislation that would legalize medical marijuana.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Medical Marijuana in North Carolina?
The qualifying conditions currently recognized by North Carolina for the use of medical marijuana are:
1. Cancer
2. HIV/AIDS
3. Alzheimer’s disease
4. Epilepsy
5. Seizure disorders that are not adequately controlled with conventional medical therapies
6. Intractable pain that is defined as pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment, or surgical measures for more than six (6) months
7. Multiple sclerosis and/or severe and persistent muscle spasms
8. Glaucoma, when the condition is documented in the patient’s medical record and is confirmed through a visual field examination within the preceding twelve (12) months
9. Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder, if diagnosed by a state-licensed psychiatrist and documented in the patient’s medical record
10. Parkinson’s disease
11. Any terminal illness where a doctor has determined the patient has less than twelve (12) months to live
12. Sickle cell anemia, when symptoms are severe and documented by a physician in the patient’s medical record
How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, medical marijuana is not yet legal in North Carolina. However, the state is presently considering legislation that could legalize medical marijuana in the future. Therefore, it is not presently possible to get a medical marijuana card in North Carolina.
What Is The Process For Applying For A Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina?
The process for applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina is as follows:
1. Speak with your doctor about whether using medical marijuana is right for you. A doctor must provide you with a valid written certification for medical cannabis before you can begin the process of obtaining a card.
2. Submit your application online through the state’s Medical Cannabis Program website. You’ll need to provide your doctor’s certification, a valid driver’s license or state ID, and other documentation.
3. Once your application is approved, you can schedule an appointment to visit a dispensary and pick up your medical cannabis card. You can also purchase cannabis products at the dispensary.
4. The medical cannabis card is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
Where Can I Find A List Of Licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, North Carolina does not yet have a legal medical marijuana program. However, you can find a list of dispensaries in other states with legal marijuana programs at the following websites:
– Leafly: https://www.leafly.com/dispensaries
– Weedmaps: https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries
– Marijuana Business Daily: https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-dispensary-directory/
What Are The Possession Limits For Medical Marijuana in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, qualified patients are allowed to possess up to four (4) ounces of medical marijuana. This quantity is determined by the amount of medication needed for a ninety-day supply. A patient must obtain a written certification from a physician certified by the North Carolina Medical Board to use medical marijuana for the purpose of treating a qualifying medical condition. Certain restrictions may apply.
Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in North Carolina?
No. It is illegal to grow marijuana in North Carolina for any purpose, and this includes medical marijuana. The North Carolina Controlled Substances Act prohibits the possession, manufacture, and delivery of marijuana. Possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana is generally a misdemeanor punishable by fines or up to 45 days in jail. Subsequent offenses, or possession of larger amounts, may result in a felony charge.
How Do Medical Marijuana Laws Affect Employment And Drug Testing in North Carolina?
Medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina, but there are certain regulations in place that protect medical marijuana users from employment discrimination. However, employers are still allowed to refuse to hire job applicants who test positive for marijuana on a pre-employment drug test. Additionally, employers are allowed to fire or otherwise discipline employees who test positive for marijuana, even if they are legally using medical marijuana. Employers are also allowed to create drug-free workplace policies that prohibit the use of medical marijuana during work hours, even if it is prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, North Carolina employers have the right to refuse employment to applicants who test positive for marijuana on a pre-employment drug test and may take disciplinary action against employees who use medical marijuana during work hours.
Are There Age Restrictions For Medical Marijuana Patients in North Carolina?
Yes, in North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old to be a medical marijuana patient. Additionally, you must have a qualifying medical condition from the list established by the state and obtain a written recommendation from your doctor.
What Forms Of Medical Marijuana Are Available in North Carolina?
At this time, only hemp-derived CBD products are available in North Carolina. The state does not currently have any laws authorizing medical marijuana.
Are There Reciprocity Agreements For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients in North Carolina?
No, there are no reciprocity agreements for out-of-state medical marijuana patients in North Carolina.
What Are The Penalties For Using Or Possessing Medical Marijuana Without A Card in North Carolina?
At this time, possession of any amount of marijuana is a criminal offense in North Carolina. The penalties for possession of marijuana vary depending on the amount possessed. For possession of less than 0.5 ounces (14g), you could face a maximum sentence of 45 days in jail and a fine of up to $200. Possession of more than 0.5 ounces could lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 120 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession with intent to distribute may be charged as a felony, which could result in up to 8 months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card If I’M Not A Resident in North Carolina?
No, you cannot get a medical marijuana card if you are not a resident of North Carolina. Medical marijuana is only available to qualified patients in states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. North Carolina is not one of those states, so it is not possible to get a medical marijuana card in North Carolina.
What Is The Role Of Doctors In Recommending Medical Marijuana in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, doctors have no role in recommending medical marijuana. The North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act does not recognize medical marijuana as a legitimate medicine. Thus, physicians in North Carolina are not allowed to prescribe, recommend, or certify the use of medical marijuana.
Are There Restrictions On Where I Can Use Medical Marijuana in North Carolina?
Yes. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has established a list of approved conditions for which medical marijuana may be used. Qualifying patients may only use medical marijuana in a private residence or on the property of a primary caregiver. The use of medical marijuana is also prohibited in any motor vehicle, and any public place, including schools, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and child care facilities.
Can I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card Online in North Carolina?
No, you cannot apply for a medical marijuana card online in North Carolina. In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in North Carolina you must be evaluated by a licensed physician and submit an application to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
What Are The Fees Associated With Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina?
Currently, there are no fees associated with applying for a medical marijuana card in North Carolina. However, medical marijuana card holders must pay for their own cannabis products once they are legally able to purchase them.
Do I Have To Notify My Employer If I Have A Medical Marijuana Card in North Carolina?
No, you do not need to notify your employer if you have a medical marijuana card in North Carolina. North Carolina has not legalized the use of medicinal marijuana, so the possession or use of marijuana is still illegal. However, there are laws in place that protect the medical privacy of those with a valid medical marijuana card.
Can Medical Marijuana Patients Purchase Firearms in North Carolina?
No. Under both Federal and North Carolina law, medical marijuana patients are prohibited from purchasing firearms or ammunition. This is because marijuana remains illegal under Federal law, and Federal law prohibits anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” from purchasing a firearm.
What Legal Protections Do Medical Marijuana Patients Have in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, North Carolina does not have any legal protections for medical marijuana patients. Although the state did pass a law allowing for the use of cannabis extracts to treat intractable epilepsy in 2014, it did not provide any other protections to medical marijuana patients. As of 2021, possession or use of marijuana in any form remains illegal in North Carolina and is punishable by law.
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