North Carolina Lawmakers Renew Push for Legal Marijuana

Lawmakers in North Carolina have once again proposed bills that could legalize recreational cannabis in the Tar Heel State. We have seen this happen before, and all previous efforts have ended in failure. Could this be the moment millions of recreational users in North Carolina have been waiting for? What are the chances of these bills actually passing? What should you do if you face marijuana possession charges in North Carolina?

House Bill 413 Filed in North Carolina

In March of 2025, various sources reported that Democratic lawmakers had officially filed House Bill 413. This bill could pave the way for legal marijuana in the Tar Heel State. Officially labeled the “Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act,” the bill seeks to allow any person over the age of 21 to purchase, sell, and use cannabis. Under certain circumstances, it would also be legal to grow your own supply, similar to laws in California. 

The details of the bill are quite complex, and it includes many restrictions for recreational users and growers. Perhaps most notably, you would need to keep your plants out of sight if you grow them in your own home. Smoking in public would also be illegal under this bill, as would driving or boating while under the influence of cannabis. Finally, possession could still be illegal if you carry excessive quantities, leading to an “intent to sell” in the eyes of the authorities. 

Additional details address taxes. Recreational users should be prepared to pay significant excise taxes – plus additional taxes implemented by local municipalities. However, medical users would be exempt from these taxes. These high taxes represent an effort from Democratic lawmakers to “sweeten the deal” and convince Republicans that this bill could generate significant income for the state. 

Expungements Could Be Possible

One of the most interesting aspects of this bill is the fact that it could eventually lead to expungements for countless individuals with marijuana possession charges on their records. If passed, this could pave the way for numerous expungements by 2028. This could serve as a vital lifeline for those who have faced career and life barriers after being convicted of cannabis offenses. 

However, it is worth noting that you might not need to wait for this bill to pass in order to get an expungement. An experienced criminal defense attorney in North Carolina may be able to help you pursue an expungement, and this could clear your record, allowing you to shrug off the burdens of your conviction. 

Can a North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Help With Cannabis Charges?

Although these new bills are certainly encouraging for recreational users, it is important to remember that cannabis is still illegal in the Tar Heel State. As a result, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in North Carolina if you face criminal charges for marijuana possession. Consider a consultation with Coastal South Law, and get started with an action plan today.