Cannabis in North Carolina
Adult-use and medical cannabis are both illegal.
Sen. Ted Budd - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Quote: “I am not a supporter of legalization, especially of recreational marijuana” (2022)
- When asked about President Bidens cannabis pardon announcement , Budd replied that it sends a “bad message to our children… Why would you want to give amnesty to those who have broken our laws and encourage even more law breaking and encourage even more drugs… I think it’s bad all around.” (2022)
- Quote: “If someone can tell me that there is a medical case for marijuana, we can certainly have that discussion. They’re making money hand over fist at the expense of Americans, especially men, young men 18 to 45 years old that are dying because of what’s coming across our border.” (2022)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Abstained from voting on the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
Sen. Thom Tillis - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Tillis said: “First-time, non-violent drug possession offenses should not impede the ability for individuals who have reformed themselves to find jobs, housing, and education their whole lives” (2021)
- Introduced the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act, which would allow individuals who have completed their probation for a first-time, low-level drug possession offense to apply for expungement of their conviction. (2021)
- In an email to a constituent, Tillis said: “I do not support the broad legalization of marijuana for recreational use… With regard to the legalization of marijuana-based products for medical use, I believe this topic deserves serious consideration…” (2021)
- When asked in an afa Action survey if he supports the legalization of recreational marijuana, Tillis replied Disagree. (2020)
- Cosponsored the Hemp Farming Bill of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
- Cosponsored the MEDS Act, which would remove barriers to medical cannabis research.
- Quote: “For me, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves on all the short-term and long-term consequences of marijuana use before we consider unrestricted legalization of the drug.” (2018)
- A spokesperson for Sen. Tillis told Vice: “Senator Tillis is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana at the federal level, but he supports efforts to remove regulatory roadblocks that place unnecessary limits on legitimate research into medical marijuana and derivatives, which includes the potential health benefits, interactions with other prescription medications, and appropriate dosage.” (2018)
- Cosponsored the Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015, which would have ended the federal prohibition of CBD. (2015)
Rep. Don Davis (NC-1) - D
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Discussing North Carolina’s Medical Cannabis Bill, Davis said: “He would like to see a bill include some form of decriminalization or forgiveness for those convicted for possessing small amounts of marijuana.” (2022)
- Quote: “There’s been research and increasing research that would support the medical use of marijuana in particular with pain management” (2022)
- Voted for NC HB 511 which authorized shorted sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. (2019)
Rep. Deborah K. Ross (NC-2) D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- According to CampusElect’s 2016 Voter Guide, Ross supports medical marijuana. (2016)
Gregory Murphy (NC-3) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-4) - D
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Rep. Foushee’s campaign website states: “Valerie supports a comprehensive reform of our criminal justice system, which would include decriminalizing the possession and use of marijuana for people over 21. (2022)
- Voted in favor of NC SB 711, The NC Compassionate Care Act, which would have allowed those with certain debilitating medical conditions to purchase cannabis as a medical treatment. (2022)
- Sponsored NC SB646, The Marijuana Justice and Reinvestment Act which would have legalized adult-use cannabis in North carolina (2021)
- Sponsored NC SB648, which would have legalized cannabis for medical use in North Carolina. (2017)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-5) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Abstained from voting on the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2014)
Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-6) D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Said she opposes sending people to prison for using marijuana but is undecided on whether or not it should be legalized. (2020)
Rep. David Rouzer (NC-7) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-8) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-9) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2014)
Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Abstained from voting on the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
- Voted against preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2014)
Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11) R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against NC SB 711, The NC Compassionate Care Act, which would have allowed those with certain debilitating medical conditions to purchase cannabis as a medical treatment. (2022)
- When asked in a survey: ‘Should Congress legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes’, Edwards replied No. (2022)
- Quote: “I just have an uncomfortable feeling that this is going to lead to more alcohol abuse, more drug abuse and being a gateway drug here in North Carolina. It really seems to not provide any real medical benefit other than allowing folks that are experiencing medical problems to be high.” (2022)
- When asked about medical cannabis, Edwards replied: “I do have a number of concerns, morally and otherwise, but I’m trying my best to look at this with open eyes, and I might be convinced.” (2021)
Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the MORE Act of 2023, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition, and penalize states that continue to disproportionately arrest people of color and low-income individuals for cannabis-related crimes.
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Jobs and Justice Act of 2018, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level and create a reinvestment fund to assist communities that have been negatively affected by the War on Drugs (the bill also does a variety of other things).
- Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13) - D
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-Sponsored the Safe Banking Act of 2023, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level
- Quote: “In the State Senate, I’m proud to have fought for the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana and will continue that work on the federal level in Congress.” (2022)
- Quote: “My father died of cancer when I was 18, and he used marijuana illegally during his final time on this earth,” Nickel said. “Everybody who’s suffering should be able to have access to medical marijuana and anything that will help them during that time. We also heard a lot of testimony from veterans suffering from PTSD that used marijuana to help with that. That’s incredibly important. I want to continue giving voice to their concerns.” (2022)
- Sponsored NC SB 699, which would have created a medical cannabis program in North Carolina. (2021)
- Co-sponsored NC SB 646, which would have legalized cannabis for adult use in North Carolina. (2021)
- Co-sponsored NC SB 711, which would have created a medical cannabis program in North Carolina. (2021)
- Tweeted: “We made progress on criminal justice reform w/ SB 300 but there’s more work to do. It excludes recommendations from @NC_Governor‘s Task Force including: probable cause for no-knock warrants, decriminalizing low level marijuana possession & elimination of the cash bail system.” (2021)
- Sharing a link to a story on Virginia’s cannabis legalization, Nickel tweeted: “North Carolina should follow the lead of our neighbors in Virginia. #ncpol https://politico.com/news/2021/02/27/virginia-legalizes-marijuana-471840”(2021)
- Quote: “The Compassionate Care Act would really help a lot of people… People with legitimate medical needs – and there are plenty of them – would be able to get the help they need… It would help soldiers that are coming back with PTSD… I hope folks will continue to push on this [legalizing a medical cannabis program.] (2021)
- Quote: “When you look at who’s actually going to jail, it absolutely disproportionately affects people of color, and that’s just wrong. We need to let ouR police focus on other more pressing priorities, rather than going after, what is usually people of color for possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana on them. (2021)
Rep. Jeff Jackson (NC-14) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Tweeted: “Let’s learn from the states that have already ended the war on cannabis. There is no reason to criminally charge yet another 30k people this year in NC for simple possession. Absolutely no reason.” (2022)
- Tweeted: “Seventeen states have transitioned away from a criminal approach to cannabis and towards a legalized and regulated approach… Crime has gone up in none of those states, harder drug use has gone up in none of those states. You know what’s gone up in all those states? Tax Revenue… Let’s learn from these other states. 30,000 people in North Carolina are criminally charged every single year with an amount of cannabis that weighs less than six pennies in your hand. Let’s expunge these records and let these people move on with their lives.” (2021)
- Tweeted: “What’s about to become a cash crop in Virginia can still get you prison time in North Carolina. Folks, it’s time to end the prohibition of marijuana.” (2021)
- Tweeted: “We want to send a clear message that our state is ready to switch from outdated criminalization to safe regulation – like we’re seeing in 17 other states. Help us send that message by endorsing our plan to end the prohibition of marijuana“ (2021)
- Quote: “At the federal level, we have a bigger opportunity to make progress, starting with removing cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and expunging cannabis convictions to let folks move on with their lives. I fully support the MORE Act which would end the federal prohibition of cannabis and be incredibly helpful in assisting those who were impacted by its criminalization” (2021)
- Quote: “People of color are over three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana even though white people use it just as much,” said Sen. Jackson. “You cannot have a full conversation about racial justice without addressing the racial patterns of enforcement that we’ve seen with marijuana laws.” (2021)
Gov. Roy Cooper - D
Supports Adult Use Legalization In Their State
- In response to President Biden’s cannabis policy announcement in October 2022, Governor Cooper has requested a review of North Carolina law to determine if similar [expungement] action can be taken at the state level. Asking lawyers “if there is action we can and should take.” Governor Cooper urged state lawmakers to take further action on cannabis as well, saying: “The President’s actions are in line with North Carolina’s Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice I appointed that recommended decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. While the General Assembly has not yet acted on this, I believe it should. We need to end this stigma that can keep people from getting jobs and make sure law enforcement keeps its focus on fighting violent crime, drug traffickers and other threats to safe communities.” (2022)
- Governor Cooper said: “Conviction of simple possession can mar people’s records for life and maybe even prevent them from getting a job. The General Assembly didn’t pass your recommendations [to decriminalize possession of up to 1.5 oz of cannabis] on this last session, but I believe they should. North Carolina should take steps to end this stigma.” (2022)
- Told a local news outlet he doesn’t believe the time is right to legalize cannabis. (2018)
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