Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. North Carolina law
Cannabis laws in Raleigh follow North Carolina’s state law. Local cities generally do not set separate marijuana rules, so penalties are determined at the jurisdiction level.
Recreational cannabis is illegal. Medical use is limited to low-THC cannabis oil for intractable epilepsy. Possession of marijuana can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount. Some hemp-derived products may be sold under separate rules, but that does not mean marijuana is legal, and legality can depend on product content and labeling.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Limited (low-THC oil for epilepsy only)
- Possession: Illegal with criminal penalties
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative Background
North Carolina has maintained strict prohibitions on recreational cannabis, which remains illegal. A limited medical program allows low-THC cannabis oil (less than 0.9% THC) for patients with intractable epilepsy, established through legislation in 2014 and expanded slightly over time. Possession of small amounts (up to 1.5 ounces as of recent updates) is decriminalized to a civil infraction in some contexts, but higher amounts or repeat offenses can result in criminal charges.
Law Enforcement
There wasn’t much police activity in the encounters described here.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Raleigh’s universities meant a steady connection was possible, though good green took work to find. Martin Street near downtown had an open-air market where the flower tended to be mid- to low-grade.
Marijuana Prices
- Bud, sometimes high grade: US$100 per ¼ oz or US$300–350 per oz
- Mid- to low-grade street weed: US$10 for about 1 g
More Information
A year after moving from the Pacific Northwest, Raleigh’s high-grade bud turned out to be decent, even if it didn’t match the best in Portland or Seattle. Street weed tended to come with seeds and stems, whereas a short bag of decent buds had been about the worst of it in the Northwest. Some Raleigh sellers pushed coke even when nobody asked.
Raleigh was a pleasant small-to-medium city with good weather and a decent music scene thanks to the colleges, though people felt less laid-back than in Portland or Seattle. The North Carolina coast, a Carolina Hurricanes game and time in Five Points and Glenwood were highlights.