North Carolina General Statutes section 90-95 is the controlled-substances penalty section.
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Laws and local rules change. Read the official sources at the bottom of this page.
Cannabis-friendly lawyers in North Carolina
Listed October 2026
These firms and attorneys are listed in the NORML lawyer directory for North Carolina. Cities and phone numbers below are taken from those listings.
Criminal defense and individual help
John T. Barrett, Attorney at Law NORML directory
John Thetford Barrett · Sylva
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for North Carolina as a criminal defense and marijuana lawyer in Sylva.
Source: NORML listing
Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC NORML directory
Mark E Edwards · Durham
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for North Carolina as a criminal defense and marijuana lawyer in Durham.
Source: NORML listing
Law Office of Sean P. Cecil, PLLC NORML directory
Sean Patricio Cecil · Raleigh
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for North Carolina as a criminal defense and marijuana lawyer in Raleigh.
Source: NORML listing
Criminal defense
These lawyers defend cannabis and marijuana charges in North Carolina.
The Law Office of Jason H. Reece
Charlotte
At the Law Office of Jason H. Reece, we have been assisting clients with their drug charges in Charlotte, NC since 1995.
Randall Law
Charlotte
If you are arrested and charged with a marijuana offense in North Carolina, we recommend hiring a Charlotte marijuana lawyer.
Starting a cannabis business
These lawyers help with licensing, forming a company, and compliance for a cannabis business in North Carolina.
DPS Law
Charlotte
The firm has advised cannabis and hemp businesses since 2013.
Not a referral. This list is not an endorsement, and there is no paid placement. We have not verified bar standing or discipline history. Before you hire anyone, confirm them in the North Carolina State Bar, and you can also use the Find a Lawyer.
Store map
- No adult-use stores in North Carolina yet.
Possession penalties that name marijuana
- Except as authorized by the article, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, or deliver, or to possess with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver, a controlled substance, and it is unlawful to possess a controlled substance.
- The transfer of less than 5 grams of marijuana for no remuneration does not constitute a delivery in violation of subsection (a)(1).
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance is a Class 3 misdemeanor, and any sentence of imprisonment must be suspended.
- If the quantity exceeds one-half of an ounce of marijuana, or one-twentieth of an ounce of hashish, the violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- If the quantity exceeds one and one-half ounces of marijuana, or three-twentieths of an ounce of hashish, or if the substance is synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols or tetrahydrocannabinols isolated from the resin of marijuana, the violation is a Class I felony.