NC S579

Establishes the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act to allow qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to legally possess, use, and cultivate cannabis for medical purposes under a regulated system.

Creates a registry identification card system administered by the Department of Health and Human Services for qualified patients and designated caregivers, with applications approved or deemed approved within 45 days.

Establishes licensing system for medical cannabis centers, producers of medical cannabis, and producers of cannabis-infused products, requiring $5,000 initial license fees and 10-15% monthly gross revenue fees to fund the system.

Protects qualified patients, designated caregivers, physicians, and licensed producers from arrest, prosecution, and penalties for medical cannabis use; prohibits denial of employment, housing, or custody based on status as medical cannabis user.

Becomes effective December 1, 2018; allows temporary certificates during 120-day implementation period before full rules adoption; exempts medical cannabis products from certain drug and food regulations and applies 5% sales tax rate to cannabis sales.