The measure, Senate Bill 762, would define "hemp as cannabis having less than 0.3% of delta-9," the cannabinoid that distinguishes hemp from its federally illegal counterpart, cannabis, WRAL reported.
In addition, the state's pilot program—which temporarily removes hemp from the state controlled substances list—is set to expire June 30. If S.B. 762 does not pass before the pilot program expires, hemp will be outlawed in North Carolina.
During a May 24 meeting, Bill Sponsor Brent Jackson (R) told the Senate agriculture committee that retailers would be illegally selling hemp products if the current law were to expire before S.B. 762 passes. Farmers would also be growing the crop illegally, the news outlet reported.
"In practical terms, we will maintain the status quo that we currently enjoy today and our growers and retailers have today," he said during the committee meeting regarding why the state should pass the measure.
According to WRAL, any previous discussions of legalizing hemp in North Carolina caused protests from law enforcement groups opposing legalization, but this time around, the measure did not receive pushback and passed in the committee meeting May 24.
"The bill has several more committee stops before making it to the Senate floor. It then has to pass the House," WRAL reported.
]]>