North Carolina Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.C.G.S. 90-95
Medical program: Not enacted
Hemp/CBD law: N.C.G.S. 106-568.50
Local override: Not allowed

Full Breakdown

Because marijuana sale and distribution remain felonies under the NC Controlled Substances Act, no dispensary, retail outlet, or delivery service can legally operate. The legislature has considered medical cannabis bills, including the Compassionate Care Act, but none have become law as of 2026. CBD shops selling federally compliant hemp products under 0.3 percent THC are legal under N.C.G.S. 106-568.50, but they are not marijuana dispensaries. Local zoning cannot authorize sales of state-illegal substances.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unlicensed marijuana retail outlet exposes operators to felony charges for trafficking and possession with intent to sell, plus civil asset forfeiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a North Carolina city license a marijuana dispensary?

No. State and federal law prohibit marijuana sales, so no local zoning ordinance can authorize a dispensary regardless of buffer or use district treatment.

Are CBD stores the same as marijuana dispensaries in NC?

No. CBD and hemp shops sell federally legal products with under 0.3 percent THC and operate under state hemp law, not the controlled substances framework.

Marijuana Dispensaries Illegal Statewide in North Carolina

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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