North Carolina state elections are almost here!

North Carolina is one of only 19 states that still jails people for possession of small amounts of cannabis, and yet has very unregulated access to consumable hemp products. Meanwhile, possession of even a single joint remains a Class 3 misdemeanor offense, with up to one year in jail (no jail if a first-time offense) and a fine of up to $200 — even though more than half of Americans live in legalization states. In 2025, North Carolina arrested 11,434 people for possession of cannabis.

It is worth mentioning that the General Assembly House of Representatives decided to wait until after the state elections to possibly vote on banning a vast majority of hemp-derived THC products.

Next month, voters will have an opportunity to decide who represents them in the state capitol. While MPP did not have the bandwidth to survey candidates in 2026, we did in 2024. Our 2024 voter guide will educate you about the choice of state Senate and state Rep. candidates who answered our survey on cannabis policy. Since current House leadership has not allowed cannabis-related bills — even strictly medical cannabis bills — to be considered, it is challenging to score incumbents on their voting record for cannabis legislation.

You can view your sample ballot here. In addition, make sure to check your registration (the last day to register to vote is October 9th). Early voting runs from October 15-31st. All of these positions play a major role as to whether cannabis policy moves forward over the next four years. 

MPP created a voter guide in 2024, which includes state Senate and state House of Representatives candidates. We hope you also utilize it when casting your ballot in November (or earlier if you are early voting). 

Voters are eager for reform: North Carolina remains one of eight states that do not have a medical program, and arrests folks for possessing even small amounts of cannabis. A recent poll shows 75% support medical cannabis legislation, and 55% support full legalization.