North Carolina Hemp Industry in Crisis | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 15, 2026 · 2m

North Carolina’s booming $3 billion hemp industry is on the brink, facing a federal ban set to hit in November—and lawmakers are dragging their feet. A last-minute bill mirroring the federal crackdown passed the Senate but stalled in the House, leaving intoxicating hemp products unregulated, unsafe, and untested. Governor Josh Stein argues prohibition isn’t the answer, pushing for a regulated market that protects public health—while legislators, including Senator Bill Rabon, label the industry “drug dealers” and favor a ban. With federal law already treating hemp like marijuana, businesses…