NC Lawmakers Advance Bill Banning Hemp Product Sales to Under-21
State committee approves measure targeting hemp gummies, smokable products after teen’s emergency room visit prompts regulatory push.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina lawmakers moved forward with legislation that would ban the sale of hemp-derived products to anyone under 21, marking an effort to regulate an industry that has operated with minimal oversight for years.
The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved a rewritten version of Senate Bill 59 on Wednesday. The measure targets smokable hemp flower, hemp cigarettes, gummies, beverages, and any products containing kratom.
Emergency Room Incident Sparks Action
Rep. Jimmy Dixon, a Republican from Duplin County who presented the bill, cited a troubling incident in his district as motivation for the legislation. Dixon said a 14-year-old ended up in the emergency room after purchasing a hemp-derived product.
“There are a lot of other details surrounding cannabis that have been discussed and will continue to be discussed, but ladies and gentlemen, to be sure we’ve got the good sense to be an agent on these types of problems, that is the lowest hanging fruit there is,” Dixon said during the committee meeting.
Requirements and Penalties
Under the proposed law, businesses would be prohibited from selling hemp-derived consumable products to individuals under 21. Sellers must check identification if they have “reasonable grounds” to believe a prospective buyer is underage.
Violations would carry significant penalties. First-time offenders would face a Class 2 misdemeanor and a $500 fine. Second offenses would result in a $1,000 fine, while subsequent violations would carry $1,500 penalties.
Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Democrat from Guilford County, raised concerns about the bill’s language during committee discussion. She questioned whether the legislation adequately addresses potential modifications to hemp-derived products, noting that synthetic recreational drug manufacturers commonly alter their products’ chemical makeup to circumvent legal restrictions.
Years of Regulatory Attempts
The committee’s approval represents another attempt by North Carolina legislators to regulate hemp product sales. Previous proposals over recent years have failed to advance through the legislative process.
The hemp industry has operated with limited state oversight since federal law legalized hemp cultivation and production. Hemp-derived products have proliferated in retail stores, gas stations, and specialty shops across North Carolina, with products marketed for various purposes including sleep aid and stress relief.
The bill’s advancement comes as state officials continue broader discussions about cannabis regulation and access controls for minors. The measure now moves to the next stage of the legislative process, where lawmakers will continue debating the scope and implementation of hemp product restrictions.
