North Carolina lawmakers are closer than ever to reducing marijuana possession laws. A new bill would retroactively clear some marijuana possession charges and increase the amount of marijuana one can carry without facing charges. Here’s a look at North Carolina’s current legislation, and what one lawmaker from Mecklenburg County is hoping to pass.
North Carolina’s Outdated Marijuana Laws
North Carolina doesn’t have a wide-ranging medical marijuana program. Back in 2014, lawmakers approved CBD for epilepsy. To date, that’s the only condition that qualifies for medical marijuana in the state.
Despite the state’s conservatism, Democratic lawmakers are trying to get a program through the legislature. This past February, Representative Kelly Alexander proposed his latest effort to legalize medical marijuana. He’s been trying to do so since he assumed office in 2009.
And North Carolinians are behind him. According to a poll conducted by Elon University last year, 80 percent of voters support medical marijuana legalization. Forty-five percent would vote for recreational as well.
As the law stands, possession of more than 0.5 ounces of marijuana is a Class I misdemeanor. This means that you can receive a small amount of jail time, and a fine numbering in the thousands of dollars. More than 1.5 ounces is a felony.
Recently, Rep. Alexander shifted his focus from medical marijuana to penalties for possession. Last Wednesday, this Mecklenburg County representative proposed House Bill 994. This legislation would up the amount for a misdemeanor to 4 ounces. Only possession of over 16 ounces of weed would qualify as a felony.
Furthermore, anyone who was found guilty of possession for less than the new amounts could have their record retroactively expunged. This would require a petition to the state and payment of $100.