Raleigh, NC Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal Status
- Dispensaries not permitted: cannabis illegal in NC
- Zoning
- No dispensary zoning category exists
- State Law
- NC General Statutes §90-95
- Enforcement
- Sale of marijuana is a criminal offense
Summary
Cannabis dispensaries are not permitted in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina. The state has not legalized medical or recreational marijuana, so there is no dispensary licensing or zoning framework. Any establishment selling marijuana products operates illegally under state law.
§ 90-95. Violations; penalties.
(a) Except as authorized by this Article, it is unlawful for any person:
(1) To manufacture, sell or deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver, a controlled substance;
(2) To create, sell or deliver, or possess with intent to sell or deliver, a counterfeit controlled substance;
(3) To possess a controlled substance.
(b) Except as provided in subsections (h) and (i) of this section, any person who violates G.S. 90-95(a)(1) with respect to:
(1) A controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II shall be punished as a Class H felon, except as follows: (i) the sale of a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II shall be punished as a Class G felony [...]
(2) A controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, V, or VI shall be punished as a Class I felon, except that the sale of a controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, V, or VI shall be punished as a Class H felon. The transfer of less than 5 grams of marijuana for no remuneration shall not constitute a delivery in violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(1).
Full Breakdown
Raleigh prohibits cannabis dispensaries and retail sales. State law does not authorize the sale of marijuana for any purpose. Unauthorized cannabis sales operations face criminal prosecution including felony charges for distribution. CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC may be sold through regular retail channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there marijuana dispensaries in Raleigh?
Can a city in NC allow dispensaries?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina cannabis regulations overview
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