Raleigh, NC Cannabis Regulations: Personal Cultivation Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Personal cultivation
- Fully illegal
- Statute
- NCGS 90-95(d) manufacturing
- One plant penalty
- Class I felony possible
- Hemp
- Requires state license
Summary
Growing marijuana plants for personal use is illegal anywhere in Raleigh because North Carolina has not legalized cannabis cultivation. Even one plant is a felony under NC General Statute 90-95 manufacturing provisions.
§ 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. [...] If the quantity of the controlled substance exceeds one-half of an ounce (avoirdupois) of marijuana or one-twentieth of an ounce (avoirdupois) of the extracted resin of marijuana, commonly known as hashish, the violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the quantity of the controlled substance exceeds one and one-half ounces (avoirdupois) of marijuana, or three-twentieths of an ounce (avoirdupois) of the extracted resin of marijuana, commonly known as hashish, or if the controlled substance consists of any quantity of synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols or tetrahydrocannabinols isolated from the resin of marijuana, the violation shall be punishable as a Class I felony.
Full Breakdown
North Carolina law treats any marijuana cultivation as manufacturing a Schedule VI controlled substance under NCGS 90-95(d). Penalties scale by plant count and weight, but even a single plant exceeding personal-use possession thresholds becomes a Class I felony. Raleigh Police and Wake County Sheriff enforce these provisions. Indoor grows, outdoor grows, and hydroponic operations are equally illegal. Industrial hemp licensed under NC Department of Agriculture rules is permitted only with state licensing for commercial hemp production, not personal-use cannabis cultivation in residential homes.
Violations & Fines
Cultivation is charged as manufacturing under NCGS 90-95(d). Even small grows can lead to felony convictions, prison time, asset forfeiture, and ineligibility for certain professional licenses and federal benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow one plant for personal use?
Is hemp cultivation legal at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina cannabis regulations overview
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