Overview
- The North Carolina Senate adopted the conference report for House Bill 328 on Monday, July 6, 2026, and the measure now needs final House approval and the governor's signature to become law.
- If enacted, the bill would replace the state’s delta‑9 THC measure with a ‘total THC’ test that counts delta‑9, most THCA, and other THC isomers, with that change set to take effect November 12, 2026.
- A finished hemp product would be illegal if it contains more than 0.4 mg total THC per the innermost retail container or if it contains any synthetic or chemically converted cannabinoids, which makes unit packaging decisive for legality.
- The proposal would make it unlawful to sell or possess hemp‑derived consumables to anyone under 21 starting July 15, 2026, and would create steep civil fines and potential criminal controlled‑substance charges for violations.
- Advocates and industry groups warn the plan raises major questions about which agency will oversee testing and licensing, the capacity of accredited labs, and economic effects on an estimated $1.8 billion 2025 market and possible excise tax revenue.