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This article is sponsored content advocating for the interests of North Carolina’s hemp farmers, small businesses, and veterans.
North Carolina’s hemp industry is at a crossroads. Over the last decade, this industry has grown into a thriving economic powerhouse, creating more than tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue. It’s an industry rooted in hard work by our farmers, veterans, and family-owned small businesses. But all of this progress is now in jeopardy.
The reason? House Bill 328 (HB 328), a piece of legislation that started with the simple goal of keeping hemp-derived products off school property but has morphed into something far more dangerous. Under the Senate’s version of this bill, the future for North Carolina’s hemp industry could be upended entirely.
At first glance, HB 328 might sound like a common-sense move to improve safety measures around schools. But as amended by the Senate, this bill now goes much further. It would impose a near-complete ban on many hemp-derived products, including those like CBD, CBN, and CBG, which are widely used for health and wellness purposes. Here’s what that means for North Carolina:
Massive Job Losses
The hemp industry employs tens of thousands of North Carolinians—from farmers cultivating crops to small business owners selling hemp products. These jobs would vanish if this bill becomes law.
Economic Devastation
North Carolina’s hemp industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity, supporting our rural communities and local entrepreneurs. The passage of HB 328 would cut this revenue off at the knees.
Favoring Out-of-State Corporations
The Senate has claimed HB 328 is about protecting public safety. But the truth paints a very different picture. The current language of HB 328 closely resembles talking points from Big Marijuana lobbyists—not the needs of local farmers or small businesses. By banning North Carolina-grown and manufactured hemp products, this bill would clear the way for out-of-state marijuana companies to dominate the market.
Criminalizing Consumers
Thousands of residents who rely on legal, non-intoxicating hemp products for wellness, including those using FDA-approved medications like Epidiolex, would be left without options. Worse, they could face criminal penalties for products that are currently legal and safe.
Earlier this year, the Senate had the opportunity to pass SB 265, a carefully considered regulatory bill crafted with input from hemp consumer groups, health advocates, and industry leaders. This bill represented a balanced approach to oversight and safety. Instead of working collaboratively, the Senate inserted harmful language into HB 328 that could dismantle the hemp industry entirely.
The Senate touts HB 328 as a “tough stance” on cannabis. But here’s the reality: this bill doesn’t make North Carolina safer. It simply destroys an industry we’ve worked hard to build while handing control to out-of-state corporations.
North Carolina’s hemp farmers, small businesses, veterans, and consumers are counting on the NC House to do the right thing. There is still time to stop the harm caused by this version of HB 328—but only if we act now. Here’s how you can help:
Contact Your Representative in the NC House.
Call or email your Representative today and urge them to oppose the Senate’s version of HB 328. Remind them that this bill threatens local jobs, undermines small businesses, and compromises patient access to critical wellness products.
Call Speaker Destin Hall.
Ask Speaker Hall to stand with North Carolina’s hemp industry, not Big Marijuana. Tell him to support farmers, small businesses, and veterans by rejecting HB 328’s harmful provisions.
Demand a Clean Age-Restriction Bill.
A clean bill focused solely on age restrictions—not a disguised industry ban—is what North Carolina needs. With proper collaboration, we can protect children and consumers while supporting local businesses.
Visit. NCHAA.Org and fill out the petition online.
HB 328 isn’t just harmful legislation; it’s a betrayal of North Carolina values. Our farmers, veterans, and neighborhood businesses deserve better. North Carolina’s hemp industry provides opportunity, sustains entire communities, and represents the innovative spirit of our state. We can’t afford to lose it.
The time to act is now. Call your NC House Representative and Speaker Hall today. Protect North Carolina jobs. Protect small businesses. Protect our hemp industry. Together, we can make sure our state’s future remains in the hands of North Carolinians—not out-of-state corporations.
*WHAT IS SPONSORED CONTENT? They are paid posts that enable sponsors to reach The INDY’s audience through brand messaging and written articles. The opinions expressed in these posts do not represent those of The INDY and sponsors have no influence over The INDY’s editorial content.
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