Rep. Dew files medical cannabis bill in North Carolina House

A new bill filed by State Rep. Dew seeks to establish a regulated medical cannabis program for patients with serious medical conditions in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 1011 on April 15 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘NC Compassionate Care Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, allowing the use of medical cannabis for patients with specific debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, HIV, and PTSD, among others. It sets up systems and guidelines for the cultivation, processing, distribution, and use of medical cannabis while protecting patients and physicians from legal penalties. The bill details the creation of a Compassionate Use Advisory Board and a Medical Cannabis Production Commission to oversee the implementation of the program. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with maintaining a secure medical cannabis registry and ensuring compliance through recurring inspections and audits. Additionally, strict regulations are set for the operation of medical cannabis centers, including security measures, advertising restrictions, and packaging requirements. The system is intended to be self-supporting through fees collected from licenses and sales, and excess revenue is allocated to the State General Fund. The effective date for different sections is specified within the bill, with some components taking effect on earlier dates.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (54) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Dew, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 107th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Drakeford.