North CarolinaNorth Carolina would bar under-21s from possessing hemp and kratom products
If enacted, the measure would bar people under 21 from possessing covered hemp and kratom products and penalize violations starting December 1, 2026.
What it does
People under 21 could not possess covered hemp or kratom products. Sellers could not knowingly sell or deliver them to someone under 21, and must ask for proof of age when they have reason to think a buyer is under 21.
Violations would be Class 2 misdemeanors, with an added fine of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $1,500 for a third or later offense.
Argument forAge checks when a buyer appears under 21 could help keep covered hemp and kratom products away from younger people.
Argument againstPeople under 21 could face misdemeanor charges and escalating fines for possessing these products, even if no sale to them occurred.
More detail
The proposed section would bar people under 21 from possessing covered products and bar anyone from knowingly selling or delivering them to someone under 21. Covered hemp goods are finished products meant to be eaten or breathed in that contain hemp-derived cannabinoids; topical products and certain FDA-recognized seeds and seed ingredients are excluded. Covered kratom goods contain mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine from kratom, including synthesized products. A seller must ask for proof of age if there are reasonable grounds to believe a buyer is under 21. The section does not allow sales, delivery, or possession that other state or federal law does not allow. The proposed rules would apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
A person who violates the proposed section would face a Class 2 misdemeanor and an added fine. The penalties apply to anyone who violates the proposed rules on selling, delivering, or possessing covered products. The fine is in addition to any other punishment prescribed for the offense. The penalties would apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 10Reptd Fav Com SubstituteLatest
- Jun 10Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- May 12Withdrawn From Com
- May 12Re-ref to the Com on Agriculture and Environment, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- 2025
- Mar 17Passed 1st ReadingMinor
- Mar 17Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Mar 13Regular Message Sent To House
- Mar 13Regular Message Received From Senate
- Mar 12Passed 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Second Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 12Passed 3rd ReadingPassed Senate
- Mar 11Reptd FavMinor
- Mar 4Reptd FavMinor
- Mar 4Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the SenateMinor
- Feb 11Withdrawn From Com
- Feb 11Re-ref to Agriculture, Energy, and Environment. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the SenateMinor
- Feb 6Passed 1st ReadingMinor
- Feb 6Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the SenateMinor
- Feb 5FiledIntroduced
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