North Carolina House Tables Hemp Bill After Industry Protests

North Carolina House Republicans decided on Tuesday not to hold a vote on House Bill 328, a proposal aimed at regulating hemp-derived consumable products. The bill, which had already passed the Senate, would have banned most THC-infused drinks, gummies, and vapes containing more than 0.3 to 0.4 milligrams of THC per container and set a minimum purchase age of 21.

Destin Hall, the House Speaker, stated the bill was too broad and noted significant disagreement among lawmakers regarding the solution. He plans to appoint a small committee to study the issue further, with no additional action expected until at least November. Governor Josh Stein also criticized the legislation, arguing that it would effectively legalize non-synthetic kratom without implementing meaningful age restrictions.

The legislative stalemate followed a day of intense lobbying in Raleigh. Hemp industry workers and business owners, including employees from Apotheca Cannabis Dispensaries who closed over 50 locations to protest, warned that strict THC limits would bankrupt the state's multi-billion-dollar industry. Conversely, a coalition of law enforcement leaders, including the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association and Representative Reece Pyrtle, urged the House to pass the bill to close a loophole they claim created an unregulated recreational marijuana market and endangered children.