Governor Josh Stein’s office has announced creation of a new State Advisory Council on Cannabis via executive order.

“I am charging this group with studying and recommending a comprehensive approach to regulate cannabis sales,” Stein said. “They will study best practices and learn from other states to develop a system that protects youth, allows adult sales, ensures public safety, promotes public health, supports North Carolina agriculture, expunges past convictions of simple THC possession, and invests the revenues in resources for addiction, mental health, and drugged driving detection.”

The council’s formation marks the start of the Stein administration’s effort to legalize marijuana for adults in North Carolina, while also tightening restrictions and closing loopholes that allow access for minors. Some North Carolinians view this move positively, while others remain skeptical.

North Carolina’s current policy on cannabis contains notable loopholes, one of which allows THC products into the hands of minors. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and its sale in products like Delta-8 are legal in North Carolina, even for those under the age of 18. Washington state – notoriously permissive on drug issues – criminalized artificially derived THC products for all ages over concerns about the public health and safety of the products. North Carolina is one of twenty states slow to regulate or ban the product.

“I want to thank members of the General Assembly for their interest in addressing this gaping loophole in state law,” Stein said. “Let’s work together on a thoughtful, comprehensive solution that allows sales to adults and that is grounded in public safety and health.”

Stein has long advocated for the decriminalization of adult use, as reflected in his appointment decisions. Notably, the two Republicans appointed to the board have ties to Marijuana. Representative John Bell was appointed president of hemp-producing Asterra Labs in 2023, and State Senator Bill Rabon has openly discussed his illegal use of marijuana to cope with difficult cancer treatments. None of the Republicans who have been outspoken opponents to legalization have been appointed to the board.

“One of the primary roles of government is to safeguard citizens from harm,” John Rustin, president of NC Family Policy Council told Carolina Journal. “We agree with Governor Stein that the prevalence of psychoactive and hallucinogenic drugs across our state is extremely concerning; however, the solution to this crisis is not to legalize and regulate harmful products and substances, but to protect our children, families, and communities from them.”

The board will be co-chaired by State Health Director Lawrence Greenblatt and Robeson County District Attorney Matt Scott. Members of the newly formed council include members of the General Assembly, members of the medical community, lawyers, officials in the Stein administration, and stakeholders in the North Carolina hemp and cannabis industry.

“NC Family urges the Governor and his State Advisory Council to honestly and soberly weigh all the evidence and facts when considering what is in the best interest of North Carolina and its people,” Rustin added.