H1143 Bill Summary

• Enacts the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act to establish a regulated medical cannabis system allowing qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to legally possess and use cannabis with physician recommendation.

• Creates a registry identification card system administered by the Department of Health and Human Services for qualified patients and designated caregivers, valid for 2 years, with applications approved or deemed approved within 45 days.

• Establishes licensing requirements for medical cannabis centers, producers of medical cannabis, and producers of cannabis-infused products through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with $5,000 first-year license fees and 10-15% monthly gross revenue fees.

• Defines "adequate supply" as no more than 24 ounces of cannabis for inhalation/smoking or a 3-month supply as recommended by physician, and protects qualified patients and caregivers from arrest, prosecution, and civil penalties when complying with the Act.

• Exempts medical marijuana from the Unauthorized Substances Tax and imposes a tiered excise tax of $8.00 per ounce plus additional amounts based on tetrahydrocannabinol content ranging from $0.25 to $1.50 per ounce.