The Legal Implications of Marijuana Overdoses in North Carolina

In August of 2025, deputies in Harnett County confiscated 64 pounds of marijuana and almost $50,000 in cash from nine different vape shops. Law enforcement officers were allegedly spurred into action after hearing reports of minors overdosing on THC. This case highlights the potential penalties for causing or being associated with marijuana overdoses. But is it even possible to overdose on cannabis in the first place? What can you do if you face marijuana charges in North Carolina?

“Medical Emergencies” in Harnett County Linked to Illegal Cannabis Sales

According to 2 WBTV, health officials in Harnette County have become concerned about a growing number of medical emergencies linked to THC products. Many of these medical emergencies involved minors, and some occurred at schools. Law enforcement officials subsequently linked these medical emergencies back to vape shops that were allegedly selling pre–rolled cigars and vapes containing illegally high levels of THC. 

It is not clear how law enforcement linked these medical emergencies back to the vape stores. It is also not clear whether these “medical emergencies” constitute overdoses in the true sense of the word. No arrests have been made in connection with this investigation, but law enforcement assured the public that defendants would soon face charges. 

Is It Possible to Overdose on Marijuana?

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) notes that there is not a single record of a fatal cannabis overdose in the United States. However, the DEA does state that cannabis can lead to emergency room visits. Law enforcement officials should be careful not to conflate these two concepts, as their consequences and legal implications are completely different. Perhaps most notably, an “overdose” is usually fatal, while an emergency room visit might involve relatively minor health issues. 

North Carolina Has Drug-Induced Homicide (DIH) Laws

Many states have drug-induced homicide (DIH) laws, and North Carolina is no exception. These laws enable prosecutors to charge a drug dealer with murder if they provide substances to someone who subsequently suffers a fatal overdose. These laws are highly controversial, and many believe that they have only made the opioid epidemic worse. 

That said, DIH laws in North Carolina do not apply to marijuana. This is because overdosing on marijuana is impossible, and because the statute only mentions drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. 

On the other hand, courts could view marijuana distribution in a more negative light if these activities are clearly associated with emergency room visits. If these emergency room visits involve minors, the court may be much less sympathetic, and more severe penalties could be likely. 

Can a North Carolina Marijuana Defense Attorney Help Me?

If you were accused of causing someone else’s marijuana overdose in North Carolina, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help. While various laws punish individuals for causing overdoses in the Tar Heel State, the consequences of a marijuana overdose are much less severe than those associated with harder drugs. A defense attorney may be able to challenge the circumstances of your charges in various ways. Consider reaching out to Coastal South Law for more information.