Section 1
Amends GS 90-94.1 changing “hemp extract” to “cannabis” throughout, including in the statute’s title. Removes subsection (a), which provided a definition of “hemp extract.” Adds subsection (a1) defining cannabis so that it has the same meaning as marijuana. Permits an individual to possess or use cannabis with no penalties if the individual satisfies all of the following: (1) possesses or uses it as a registered research study participant, as defined in GS 90-113.161, provided the quantity of usable cannabis possessed does not exceed an adequate supply; (2) possesses a written certification, as defined in GS 90-113.161, close to the cannabis; and (3) is a caregiver, as defined in GS 90-113.161 (was, permission for a caregiver to possess or use hemp extract to treat intractable epilepsy with a certificate of analysis indicating the ingredients with percentages as listed). Permits a caregiver as defined in GS 90-113.161 (was, GS 90-113.101), in lawful possession of cannabis (was, hemp extract), to administer it to another person under their care without penalty. Requires an individual possessing cannabis (was, hemp extract) under this statute to dispose of any unused portions (was, all residual oil from the hemp extract) at a secure collection box.
Section 2
Adds new article, Article 5I, to Chapter 90, the North Carolina Cannabis Treatment Research Act. Gives purpose of act.
Enacts GS 90-113.161, which defines the following: (1) cannabis; (2) caregiver; (3) database; (4) Department (Department of Health and Human Services); (5) patient; (6) Physician; (7) registered research study; (8) research institution; and (9) written certification.
Enacts GS 90-113.162, which requires the Department to create a secure and electronic Cannabis Treatment Research database registry for registration of research institutions, physicians, caregivers, and patients. Requires caregivers to register with the Department. Authorizes law enforcement agencies to contact the Department to confirm a caregiver’s registration. Lists the caregiver information the caregivers must supply for the database. Makes it a research institution’s responsibility to update the Department if caregiver or patient contact information changes for studies they are conducting.
Enacts GS 90-113.163, which permits research institutions to approve dispensing cannabis acquired from another jurisdiction to a registered caregiver on a case-by-case basis. Requires institutions that approve of dispensation to a caregiver to inform them of the disposal requirements detailed above. Provides immunity for research institutions and employees for the use of cannabis pursuant to this article. Mandates that identities of caregivers, patients, and research institutions reported to the Department are confidential, except that information may be provided to law enforcement agencies under GS 90-113.162.
Enacts GS 90-113.164, titled the NC Cannabis Research Program. Provides intent of NCGA to allow any physician providing written certification to a patient to participate in objective scientific research with registered persons regarding the administration of cannabis as part of medical treatment. Lists possible scientific research to be conducted under this Article. Provides immunity for research institutions, physicians, and registered persons to conduct research.
Section 3
Contains a severability clause.
Section 4
Effective July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 90-94.1
Edition 1: 90-94.1