Proposed North Carolina bill includes age restriction on CBD, THC sales

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — As hemp dispensaries nationwide prepare for an upcoming federal ban on many THC products, a North Carolina bill could bring additional changes to the industry locally.

The North Carolina Senate has approved House Bill 328, which would prohibit businesses from selling hemp and CBD products to anyone younger than 21.

Violations could result in a Class 2 misdemeanor. Businesses could also face civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $50,000.

Catalina Svec, who works at Evergreen Apothecary in Wilmington, said she believes the state legislation may no longer be necessary once the federal restrictions take effect.

“That bill will be creating an age limit for hemp sale but it won’t really be necessary because they will be rescheduling hemp to be the same as how they’ve scheduled marijuana,” Svec said.

If House Bill 328 receives final approval from the House and is signed into law, the age restriction would take effect immediately.