H577 - Medical Cannabis Act Summary

• Enacts the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act to allow qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess and use cannabis for medical purposes with legal protections from arrest and prosecution.

• Establishes a regulated medical cannabis supply system administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including licensing of medical cannabis centers and producers of medical cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

• Creates a registry identification card system through the Department of Health and Human Services for qualified patients and designated caregivers, with cards valid for two years and renewable after 45-day processing period.

• Defines "adequate supply" as up to 24 ounces of cannabis or a garden of 250 square feet of mature female cannabis plants for qualifying patients using inhalation methods, with protections extended to caregivers and physicians advising on medical cannabis use.

• Generates revenue through licensing fees ($5,000 for initial licensure) and monthly fees of 10-15% of gross revenue from cannabis sales, with revenue dedicated to operating the system, registry program, and medical cannabis research at UNC.