North Carolina House Advances Bill Setting Age 21 for THC and Kratom

The North Carolina House of Representatives advanced Senate Bill 59, which would establish a minimum age of 21 for the purchase and possession of kratom and intoxicating hemp-based consumables, such as beverages and gummies. Currently, North Carolina has no state law setting an age requirement for these products, although some retailers have voluntarily implemented their own policies.

Jimmy Dixon, a state representative from Duplin County, introduced the bill as a Proposed Committee Substitute to address the accessibility of these products to minors. Representative Jeff McNeely of Iredell County added an amendment to include kratom in the restrictions. The measure previously received a favorable report from the House Agriculture and Environment Committee before moving to the House Rules Committee.

If signed into law, the bill would make selling these products to individuals under 21 a Class 2 misdemeanor. Retailers would be required to check identification when a customer's age is in question and could face fines ranging from $500 for a first offense to $1,500 for subsequent violations. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2026, should the legislation pass both the House and Senate.