NC State Advisory Council on Cannabis: How to Submit Your Testimony Before the 2026 Deadline.

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis is deciding the state's future rules for the plant. Governor Josh Stein created the council in 2025 to recommend a safe and regulated market. As 2026 begins, the council is asking for public input. This is a chance for patients, farmers, and advocates to share their stories and help shape the law.

This article explains who the council is, why testimony matters, how to submit it, and important dates ahead.

What Is the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis?

The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis was established by an executive order from Governor Stein in June 2025. It brings together experts, officials, and community leaders to study cannabis policy and offer recommendations for a regulated market in the state.

The council’s work includes public health and safety, age limits, packaging standards, expunging past convictions, and how to structure cannabis sales in North Carolina. Their recommendations will reflect lessons from other states and will help balance safety with economic opportunity.

Key Duties of the Council

The council must:

• Protect youth by shaping rules on age limits and marketing.

• Promote public safety and impaired driving strategies.

• Consider public health issues such as education and treatment.

• Advise on healing justice issues, including expunging records for past simple possession offenses.

These meetings are open to everyone and are usually streamed live. They provide the background you need before you share your own testimony.

Why Public Testimony Matters?

Public testimony allows North Carolinians to share personal experiences and data directly with policymakers. It helps the council understand real-world effects of cannabis laws, including patient access, business impacts, and public health concerns. It also promotes transparency and supports public participation in the policy process.

The council’s recommendations will help guide future legislative decisions and cannabis regulations in the state. Without public input, lawmakers may overlook key perspectives from those who are most affected. Testimony submitted now could play a role in shaping the future of cannabis policy in North Carolina.

How to Submit Your Testimony

Here’s a straightforward guide to submitting your testimony before the 2026 deadlines:

1.   Use the Official Public Comment Form

The simplest way to submit testimony is through the online public comment form provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This form collects:

• Your first and last name

• Phone number

• Email

• Organization (if relevant)

• Your comments or testimony text

The form is open to all members of the public and is the official channel for council

review. Comments submitted through this form become part of the public record and 

may be considered in the council’s final recommendations.

Here is the step-by-step process for submitting your testimony:

1. Access the Portal: Go to the NCDHHS North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis page.

2. Locate the Comment Form: Click on the link titled "Submit Your Comments."

3. Provide Identification: You will be required to enter your name, phone number, and email address. You may also list an organization if you are representing a business or advocacy group.

4. Draft Your Statement: The form includes a text area for your comments. It is recommended to draft your testimony in a separate document first to check for clarity and facts before pasting it into the portal.

5. Submit: Complete the CAPTCHA and submit.

A great tip is to write clearly and focus on the key points you want the council to know. Personal stories, data, and references can make your testimony more impactful.

2.   Attend Meetings and Speak Live (If Available)

Most council meetings are for members, but some sessions allow the public to comment on specific topics. You should check the NCDHHS website for the meeting schedule and details.

Meetings are usually livestreamed, and some allow you to participate virtually. Check the announcements before each meeting to see if they are accepting public speakers and how to sign up.

3.   Email or Mail Your Comments

If a council meeting or rulemaking session allows written public comments, you may submit testimony by email or mail. Always review the meeting agenda and instructions posted by NCDHHS or the relevant state agency for specific guidance.

In some cases, state rulemaking comments can be sent by email, such as to rrc.comments@oah.nc.gov for certain proposed rules. However, submission details can vary by agenda item, so confirm the correct process before sending your testimony.

Tips for Effective Testimony

Here are some tips to write an effective testimony:

Be Clear and Respectful

Use plain language. Explain who you are, why you care about cannabis policy, and what changes you want to see. Avoid jargon when possible.

Connect to Local Impact

Sharing real-life stories can be the most effective part of your testimony. It moves the conversation from abstract laws to human reality. The council needs to hear how these laws affect your daily life. Personal stories help them understand the real-world consequences of their decisions.

Support Claims With Facts

Using data and reputable sources is one of the best ways to strengthen your testimony. Facts give the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis a solid foundation to support your personal experience.

 When you cite data, link it clearly to your request. If you are asking for medical access, reference studies that show medical benefits. If you are raising concerns about the “Hemp Cliff,” include economic data that shows its impact.

Keep It Concise

A short and well‑focused testimony is more readable and may be more persuasive.

Important Deadlines and Timeline

Recent Context on Cannabis Reform in NC

North Carolina has taken a unique approach to cannabis policy. The state does not have a legal medical marijuana program, and adult recreational use is prohibited. At the same time, products such as delta-8 and THCA are widely sold. This creates a legal gray area despite strict marijuana laws.

The council’s work in 2026, along with public testimony, could influence this landscape. Some proposals call for unified regulation of all intoxicating THC products under a single overseeing body, possibly modeled after a Cannabis Control Commission. 

Conclusion

North Carolina’s Advisory Council on Cannabis is guiding some of the most important cannabis policy decisions in the state’s history. Public testimony gives residents a direct voice in that process. Whether you are a patient, advocate, farmer, or concerned citizen, submitting clear and well‑organized testimony before the council’s key deadlines can help shape the future of cannabis regulation in North Carolina. The time to act is now.