NC H328

Creates new Chapter 18D establishing a licensing and regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumable products, with sales restricted to persons 21 and older and enforcement by the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division effective July 1, 2026

Requires manufacturers to obtain licenses ($25,000 initial fee), distributors ($5,000), and retail dealers ($500 per location), with mandatory product testing for THC concentration (max 0.3% delta-9 THC), pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants before distribution

Prohibits "prohibited hemp-derived consumable products" containing cannabinoids other than delta-9 THC (such as delta-8 THC), with violations classified as Class G felonies for manufacturers/distributors and Class A1 misdemeanors for possession

Limits non-liquid ingestible products to 10mg of delta-9 THC per serving, requires child-resistant packaging, bans marketing that appeals to minors, and prohibits hemp-derived consumable products on all public school property

Adds kratom (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) as a Schedule VI controlled substance effective December 1, 2025