Winston-Salem, NC Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal Dispensaries
- None in NC
- Medical Program
- Not enacted
- CBD Retail
- Standard retail zoning
- Hemp Threshold
- Below 0.3% Delta-9 THC
- Future Zoning
- Not pre-adopted
Summary
North Carolina has no operational medical or recreational marijuana dispensary program, so Winston-Salem has no dispensary zoning. Only hemp and CBD retailers operate legally. The UDO treats CBD shops as standard retail commercial use.
(a) This schedule includes the controlled substances listed or to be listed by whatever official name, common or usual name, chemical name, or trade name designated. In determining that such substance comes within this schedule, the Commission shall find: no currently accepted medical use in the United States, or a relatively low potential for abuse in terms of risk to public health and potential to produce psychic or physiological dependence liability based upon present medical knowledge, or a need for further and continuing study to develop scientific evidence of its pharmacological effects. (b) The following controlled substances are included in this schedule: (1) Marijuana. (2) Tetrahydrocannabinols, except for tetrahydrocannabinols found in a product with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis.
Full Breakdown
Because North Carolina has not enacted a medical marijuana program and has not legalized recreational cannabis, no licensed marijuana dispensaries exist or can operate in Winston-Salem. Any retail sale of marijuana is illegal under NCGS 90-95. 3% Delta-9 THC under the 2018 Farm Bill and the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. These retailers are treated as standard retail commercial use under the Winston-Salem Unified Development Ordinances and require no special cannabis-specific zoning designation. If North Carolina enacts medical marijuana legalization (the Compassionate Care Act or similar legislation), Winston-Salem would need to adopt zoning amendments defining dispensary districts and setback requirements from schools, parks, and churches.
Other states medical cannabis frameworks typically require 500 to 1,000 foot setbacks from sensitive uses. Winston-Salem has not pre-adopted any such zoning. Smokable hemp was initially banned under NC SB 352 but remains in legal limbo after legislative changes.
Violations & Fines
Operating an illegal marijuana dispensary: NCGS 90-95 trafficking charges, felony Class H through C depending on weight, plus federal controlled substance violations. Zoning violations for retail operations: $500 civil penalty under UDO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any marijuana dispensaries in Winston-Salem?
Can I open a CBD shop in Winston-Salem?
Sources & Official References
- [1]NCGS 90-94
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina cannabis regulations overview
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