Governor Josh Stein responded on Apr. 2 to the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis’s approval of its interim report, addressing the ongoing issue of unregulated cannabis sales in the state.
The council’s report aims to provide guidance for the General Assembly, focusing on creating a regulated market that prioritizes public health and safety, especially for young people. This comes as North Carolina faces what Governor Stein described as a ‘Wild West’ environment regarding cannabis sales.
“I would like to thank the members of the Cannabis Council for their expertise, hard work, and thoughtful deliberation. Last year, I charged this group with developing a comprehensive solution to the unregulated sale of cannabis that is grounded in public health and public safety, with a special focus on keeping young people safe. This report provides the General Assembly with guidance and makes clear that a well-regulated market, including both oversight and enforcement authority, is a safer market for our state,” Stein said.
Stein continued: “Our state’s unregulated cannabis market today is the Wild West and is crying for order. Let’s get this right. Let’s protect our kids and create a safe, legal, and well-regulated market for adults.”
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves all residents across the state according to its official website. The office executes state laws as chief executive while leading the Council of State according to its official website. Josh Stein has served as North Carolina’s 76th governor according to its official website.
In addition to these duties, the governor influences policy by directing budgets and granting pardons according to its official website, serves as commander in chief of the North Carolina National Guard, and appoints executive officials according to its official website.
The recommendations from this interim report are expected to shape legislative discussions about how best to regulate adult-use cannabis while ensuring protections remain in place for minors.
