Growing Marijuana In North Carolina

It is not legal to grow weed in North Carolina, but small possession of marijuana has been decriminalized.

Please note: ILGM is NOT a legal adviser. Information contained in this website is intended as general introductory information only. The information contained on this website is not legal advice. It should not be construed as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Decriminalization, for those that are not familiar with it, means it is a misdemeanor rather than a crime to have marijuana in your possession.

North Carolina has decriminalized up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana. You will pay a high fine if you are caught in possession of it, but you most likely not go to jail.

Tough marijuana laws

north carolina marijuana laws

Like many non-medical states, North Carolina is concerned about drug dealers. For that reason, they have very high penalties for those they think are selling weed.

If you have a room full of marijuana plants, it will be hard convincing anyone that you are not selling some of them. That will get you in trouble quicker than walking down the road with a joint.

Learn more about growing marijuana plants and download my grow bible.

Marijuana in North Carolina is gaining some acceptance, but it is not fully okay. Therefore, to grow weed in North Carolina you need to be discrete and intelligent about it.

Medical marijuana in North Carolina

medical marijuana north carolina

North Carolina has not legalized the use of medical marijuana but it has approved CBD extracts.  CBD extracts are currently approved for intractable epilepsy.  

CBD Oil - CBD Extract
CBD Extract

CBD extracts are made from plants with high amounts of CBD and low amounts (less than .3%) of THC. They have not licensed home cultivation for medical use.  

High CBD Seeds

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Marijuana tax

North Carolina also has a marijuana tax that those caught with the plant will have to pay. Currently, it is $.40/gram. Those in possession of marijuana, including those who grow weed in North Carolina, are expected to purchase stamps showing proof that they have paid this tax.

Marijuana Taxes
Marijuana Taxes

Purchasing these stamps are not supposed to put the user at any risk of arrest, and they do prevent further charges for not having paid the tax. If cops find marijuana on you, and there is no proof the tax has been paid, there are additional charges.

FAQs about growing marijuana in North Carolina

How much marijuana could you possess in North Carolina without getting jail time?

North Carolina has decriminalized up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana.

Has North Carolina legalized medical marijuana?

North Carolina has not legalized the use of medical marijuana but it has approved CBD extracts. CBD extracts are currently approved for intractable epilepsy.

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18 comments on “Growing Marijuana In North Carolina”

  1. I live in eastern NC and am a practicing herbalists. Why is it that I can legally grow extremely poisonous plants (belladonna, digitalis, wormwood,etc) and no one cares, but a small amount of marijuana is illegal. I would love to add this to my medicinal garden, but I am too worried. USA get your shit together

    Reply
    • I could definitely understand your concern. I’m in Western NC& I really want to grow for medicinal purposes but petrified!
      May I reach out to you via FB or IG? I’m Marci Bratz on almost all social media.

      Reply
    • After the last frost. When you can plant Tomatoes, you can plant Cannabis. You need 4-5 months minimum for outdoor grows.

      Reply
  2. Growing is my passion. I want to find employment is any area from growing to owning weed dispensary when legal. Does anyone have an opportunity or suggestion for me. Who knows the website that talks about legalization in North Carolina

    Reply
    • Rachel Sidney,

      Best place to find up to date info, other than your own government would be: norml..org or The marijuana policy project.

      OPening a dispensary takes about a million bucks just to start. Permits, licensing, insurance, a vault for your federally illegal money, lawyers, etc…

      We wish you luck in your endeavors. 🙂

      Reply
    • Joe,

      Just about any strain would grow well in N.C. It is all a matter of timing and planning. We have many growers in our forum from you region. The Carolina’s, Tennessee, etc. Join our support forum and make a post and see what your peers have to say.

      Reply
    • n8ivpoint,

      Believe me, you do not want to buy a Tax Stamp. Tax stamps come into play when you get arrested for large amounts of Cannabis. Part of the fine is; “You guessed it!”, Tax Stamps. If Cannabis was legal in NC, you would pay the current rate of tax as determined by N.C.

      Reply
  3. purple power seedlings planted outdoors in march in western nc started to flower in late april and have not reverted back to veg.what to do with the buds that are still growing. any advice thanks from oldtimer

    Reply
  4. Flock,

    We love to meet happy people. Perhaps you would appreciate all the great info at our grow support forum. Look me up when you sign up 😀

    Reply
  5. Thanks Very Helpful Information Giving, Ima NC Grower Myself And Look Forward To A Great Gro-Season!!!
    #KeepOnGrowing #StaySmoking
    ⛽

    Reply