Although the vast majority of U.S. states have established medical marijuana programs, the legalization of medical marijuana still remains an issue in North Carolina. Despite repeated efforts, the North Carolina General Assembly has yet to pass a law allowing medical cannabis. However, a recent Meredith College poll reveals that the majority of North Carolinians—across all political and demographic groups—are strongly in favor of this legislation. Will 2025 finally bring the change so many residents are calling for?
North Carolina Speaks, Shows Widespread Support for Medical Cannabis
According to the Meredith College poll conducted between February 3–10, 2025, 71% of North Carolina voters support legalizing medical marijuana. Among the respondents, 45% stated they “strongly support” legalization, while 26% said they “somewhat support” it. Only 23% opposed legalization, and 6% were undecided.
This support also extends across political affiliations, education levels, and age groups. Democrats showed the strongest backing at 78.3%, followed by unaffiliated voters at 73.3%, and even 62.3% of Republicans also approved. The data reveals bipartisan unity, which is often rare in contentious issues like marijuana legalization.
Demographically, there was majority support across all groups except those aged 80 and older, where 44.4% opposed legalization. Interestingly, even self-identified conservatives voiced significant support, with 62% favoring medical marijuana access.
What Is the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act?
The last major push for medical cannabis in the General Assembly was the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. Although it gained bipartisan support and even cleared the Senate, it failed to progress in the House. This act proposed to allow licensed doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for a defined list of qualifying physical and mental conditions, including cancer, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and severe or persistent nausea related to end-of-life care.
The bill also outlined a framework for regulating the production, distribution, and use of medical marijuana to ensure safety and accessibility. Proponents argue that it would not only benefit patients but also provide a source of tax revenue and ensure the product is well-regulated.
Senator Graig Meyer, who supported the previous iteration of the bill, highlighted broad public demand for legalization. “People want it taxed. They want the revenue and safety regulations. Everyone knows if you put a marijuana bill on the floor, it would pass. The challenge is overcoming objections from a few key decision-makers.”
Why Do North Carolinians Support Medical Marijuana?
Medical cannabis is widely recognized for its ability to alleviate symptoms of chronic and debilitating conditions. For patients suffering from pain, nausea caused by chemotherapy, or neurological disorders, access to medical marijuana could significantly improve their quality of life.
Beyond its health benefits, many North Carolinians could see medical marijuana as an economic opportunity. States with legalized medical marijuana have reported millions of dollars in tax revenue. These funds could be used for public services, healthcare access, and education—benefiting all residents of the state.
Supporters also emphasize that legalizing medical marijuana provides a safer alternative to addictive opioids, which continue to fuel a nationwide overdose crisis. Regulated access ensures patients can rely on consistent, high-quality products monitored for safety standards.
Despite strong public and bipartisan support, obstacles remain. The opinions of a small but powerful group of House legislators opposing marijuana reform pose a significant challenge. These lawmakers have raised concerns about potential societal risks, regulatory challenges, and marijuana serving as a “gateway drug.”
Another barrier is the state’s historically cautious approach to marijuana. North Carolina is one of the few states in the U.S. without any form of legalized medical marijuana—a big contrast to the 38 other states that have enacted some sort of cannabis legislation.
The Public Is Speaking Loudly. Will Lawmakers Listen?
Polling director David McLennan of Meredith College summed it up best, stating, “North Carolina is one of a handful of states without some form of legal medical marijuana. With the public strongly behind such a law and most within the medical community supporting this legislation, it seems like this might be a good time to pass such a bill.”
With such compelling support, it’s clear that public opinion strongly favors legalization. Kevin Caldwell from the Marijuana Policy Project agrees, saying, “The people are ready for this change. Will their elected officials listen to them?”
Advocates are hopeful that 2025 could break legislative gridlock, allowing long-awaited medical marijuana reform to finally take root in North Carolina.
What Happens Next?
Currently, any form of marijuana sales remains illegal across North Carolina at the state level. However, last year, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made a move by opening their cannabis retailer, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company, to all adult-use and medical cannabis customers.
The continued efforts of lawmakers like Senator Meyer, combined with mounting public advocacy, suggest growing momentum for legalization in the coming legislative session. The road ahead may still be challenging, but with 71% of voters voicing their support, it’s clear that North Carolinians want change.
For those affected by chronic illnesses or medical conditions that could benefit from cannabis-based treatments, the passage of the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act would be life-changing.
