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Apex, NC Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Apex Town Code § 15-7(j)
Scope
Town parks and greenways only
Penalty
Misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4
Exception
Valid physician's prescription for substance
Enforcement add-on
$100 civil penalty possible, § 15-7(y)

Summary

Apex prohibits using, consuming, or possessing any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, or other controlled substance in any town park without a valid physician's prescription, making marijuana use or possession in a park a misdemeanor under Town Code Section 15-7(j).

No person shall use, consume or possess any alcoholic beverages, beer or wine within the park; no person shall use, consume or possess any narcotic drug or hallucinogen or any other controlled substance within any park without a valid physician's prescription for the substance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).

Full Breakdown

Apex Town Code Section 15-7(j) bars using, consuming, or possessing any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, or other controlled substance within any Apex park without a valid physician's prescription for the substance. Marijuana is a controlled substance under North Carolina law, so smoking or possessing it inside an Apex park or on a public greenway falls under this park rule, even though Apex has no standalone, town-wide marijuana ordinance. The same subsection bans alcohol in parks as well. A violation is a misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, and officers may separately issue civil citations for related park violations under subsection 15-7(y).

Violations & Fines

Using, consuming, or possessing marijuana or another controlled substance without a prescription inside an Apex park or on a greenway is a misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4; park staff or police may also remove violators from the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apex's park rule name marijuana specifically?
No. Section 15-7(j) bans any 'narcotic drug or hallucinogen or any other controlled substance' without a prescription; marijuana falls under that broader controlled-substance language, not a named drug.
Does this rule apply outside Apex parks?
No. Section 15-7(j) governs conduct only inside town parks and on public greenways; Apex has no separate town-wide public marijuana ordinance in its general code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Apex

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsLoitering RulesSignificant RestrictionsJaywalkingSome RestrictionsAggressive PanhandlingSignificant RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSome RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome Restrictions

All Apex rules

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