North Carolina House weighs THC bill as sheriffs back HB 328 and hemp businesses warn of economic impact
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina lawmakers are considering sweeping changes to the state’s hemp-derived THC industry, with supporters arguing the legislation would improve public safety while business owners warn it could force many companies to close.
House Bill 328, sponsored in part by Rep. Reece Pyrtle, would significantly tighten regulations on hemp-derived THC products sold in North Carolina. The proposal closely mirrors pending federal regulations by limiting products to no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight or 0.4 milligrams of THC per serving. The bill would also prohibit sales to anyone younger than 21.
“House Bill 328 also aims to protect our children and all North Carolinians from dangerous synthetic chemicals that currently have no regulations,” Pyrtle said.
The legislation passed the North Carolina Senate last month and is now awaiting consideration in the House.
More than a dozen county sheriffs joined lawmakers at the General Assembly on Tuesday to voice their support for the proposal, arguing current hemp products are being marketed in ways that appeal to children.
“These products are often disguised as cookies, gummies, chocolates, and look-a-likes of popular candy brands,” Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said. “Much of which, sitting on the table here next to me, was purchased less than a quarter of a mile from here, targeted clearly toward the youth.”
The news conference came one day after hemp business owners and industry advocates gathered at the General Assembly to urge lawmakers to reject the bill.
Industry advocates say they support stronger oversight but argue the legislation goes too far and would effectively eliminate many products currently on the market.
Catalina Svec, with Evergreen Apothecary in Wilmington, said many customers rely on hemp-derived THC products to help manage chronic pain.
“What’s going to happen to the customers?” Svec said. “I have a lot of elderly customers, people managing chronic pain, people who have consulted their doctors and have come to a decision with actual medical providers about what extra steps they can take to manage pain.”
Reilly Dunn, owner of Groove Wagon in Raleigh, said hemp businesses have long advocated for stricter regulations, including age restrictions and product testing standards, rather than what they view as a ban on much of the industry.
“We have been begging for a 21 and up bill and testing and packaging guidance for years,” Dunn said.
It remains unclear when the House will take up House Bill 328 for a vote.
