NC H617

Legalizes cannabis possession and use for adults 21+ in North Carolina, effective January 1, 2024, allowing up to 2 ounces of cannabis, 15 grams of concentrated cannabis, or 6 plants for personal cultivation with restrictions.

Establishes regulated cannabis market with licensing system for cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, retailers, delivery services, testing facilities, and on-site consumption establishments under Department of Public Safety oversight.

Creates Office of Social Equity to promote participation by communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition through zero-interest loans, grants, and three funds (Community Reinvestment and Repair, Social Equity, and Cannabis Education and Technical Assistance).

Imposes 30% excise tax on cannabis sales to consumers plus optional 2% municipal local option tax, with revenue distributed to substance abuse programs, public education, cannabis research, and impaired driving enforcement.

Automatically expunges all prior marijuana and hashish convictions by July 1, 2024, and provides protections against employment discrimination, housing denial, and custody loss based on legal cannabis use.