NC Policy: The Future of Delta‑9 Gummies in North Carolina Retail

North Carolina is at a turning point when it comes to regulating Delta‑9 THC gummies and other hemp-derived products. Lawmakers are discussing new rules that could affect how these items are sold, labeled, and tested, as well as who is allowed to buy them. These changes come as federal hemp laws evolve and concerns grow about public safety, particularly for products that might reach minors. 

In this article, we look at the current rules and what the future could hold for Delta‑9 gummies in NC stores.

Understanding Delta‑9 Gummies in NC Today

Let’s look at the current legal status and market background before exploring specific policy changes.

Federal Hemp Law Basics

The federal 2018 Farm Bill allows hemp products that contain no more than 0.3% Delta‑9 THC by dry weight. This rule made it possible for items like Delta‑9 THC gummies, vapes, and drinks to be sold, even in states where recreational marijuana is still illegal.

State Law: A Legal “Loophole”

North Carolina does not allow recreational or broad medical cannabis. Marijuana-derived Delta‑9 THC is still illegal under state law. But in 2022, the state passed a law that permanently excludes hemp-derived products with up to 0.3% Delta‑9 THC from controlled substances rules, matching federal law.

This means Delta‑9 gummies are technically legal in NC if they come from hemp and stay under the 0.3% THC limit. That loophole has let these products appear widely on convenience store shelves.

Legislative Action on Regulating Delta‑9 Gummies

Let’s focus on recent developments in legislation before we discuss the policy proposals.

House Bill 328 For Regulating Hemp‑Derived Consumables

In 2025, North Carolina House Bill 328 moved through the General Assembly to set rules for hemp-derived gummies, including Delta‑9 products. The bill proposes:

• Age restrictions (sell only to people 21+).

• Limits on THC content per serving and overall product.

• Rules banning packaging that appeals to children.

• Labeling requirements, including warnings and ingredient lists.

• Mandatory third‑party testing.

• Licensing for retailers and manufacturers.

For example, the latest version of the bill suggests that non-liquid gummies would be limited to 10 milligrams of Delta‑9 THC per serving. This matches a common dosing standard used in other legal markets. 

This legislation seeks to close loopholes and make hemp-derived edibles safer, aligning them with public health and safety standards.

Senate and Additional Bills

North Carolina’s Senate has also taken steps to regulate hemp products through bills like Senate Bill 265 (Protecting Our Community Act). 

This proposed bill adds controls, including:

• Licensing requirements for the full supply chain.

• Restrictions on marketing and sale to minors.

• Testing and quality control standards.

• Clear labeling and packaging rules.

Together, these laws reflect a bigger effort to standardize how Delta‑9 gummies are sold and regulated in retail stores, creating clearer rules for both businesses and consumers.

Why North Carolina Lawmakers Are Taking Action?

Let’s now explain why these developments are occurring.

Public Safety and Youth Protection

One main reason for changing the rules is concern about youth access and public safety. Lawmakers and law enforcement have noted several problems with intoxicating THC products:

• Some products labeled as “CBD” were discovered to contain illegal amounts of Delta‑9 THC, sometimes 10 to 40 times over the legal limit. Police in Apex, NC, have seized large quantities of these products.

• Concerns over products that look like candy or attract children have increased pressure for stricter packaging rules.

These trends have sparked debate among officials about whether current laws do enough to protect consumers and young people.

Business and Industry Impacts

At the same time, the hemp industry, including growers, retailers, and gummy marketers, is pushing back against very strict rules. They say these products are legal under hemp law and that sensible regulations can protect safety while supporting business growth.v

Industry stakeholders are also worried about federal changes that could affect their operations. Possible federal hemp bans or adjustments to THC limits could have a big impact on their businesses.

Current Enforcement and Compliance in Retail

Before we look ahead, it’s important to understand how enforcement works in NC today.

Law Enforcement Actions

State and local authorities have already taken action against non‑compliant products. Enforcement agents have:

• Seized hundreds of pounds of illegal THC products falsely advertised as legal CBD.

• Raided stores selling products that exceeded the 0.3% Delta‑9 THC limit.

These actions show that regulators are closely watching how Delta‑9 gummies are marketed and sold.

Retail Reality

Despite these crackdowns, many retailers across North Carolina continue to sell hemp‑derived THC products, including gummies, drinks, and other edibles, as long as they meet state and federal hemp rules.

The retail scene is mixed. Some stores are carefully following stricter compliance standards, while others keep offering a wide variety of products to meet consumer demand.

What the Future May Hold?

Now, let’s look toward the future.

Possible Outcomes of 2025 Legislation

North Carolina’s evolving policy environment could lead to:

• Mandatory licensing for Delta‑9 gummy producers and sellers.

• Strict age verification and retail limits to prevent underage sales.

• Clear THC serving and product limits to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Enhanced labeling and packaging standards to protect consumers.

These changes would make North Carolina’s retail market more organized, similar to states with adult‑use cannabis laws, while still keeping the state’s own hemp-based system intact.

Federal Factors

Federal policy plays a big role. Any national restrictions on hemp-derived THC products or changes to cannabis classification could directly affect how North Carolina handles Delta‑9 gummies. Recent reports indicate that federal authorities are paying closer attention to hemp products, and potential bans may be on the horizon.

Industry Balance

The challenge for policymakers will be balancing:

• Public safety and youth protection.

• The economic viability of the hemp sector.

• Consumer demand for legal, low‑THC cannabis products.

The way North Carolina navigates this balance could become a blueprint for other states facing the same challenges with hemp-derived THC products.

Conclusion

The future of Delta‑9 gummies in North Carolina retail is at a turning point. Legislative proposals like House Bill 328 and Senate Bill 265 are moving through the General Assembly, setting out rules for production, packaging, age limits, and THC content. These efforts respond to safety concerns while recognizing that hemp‑derived Delta‑9 products remain part of the market under current law. 

As federal policies shift and state regulations evolve, the legal landscape is likely to change over the next year. Lawmakers will need to balance protecting public health with allowing lawful access for adult consumers and industry participants.