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Bill Summary · SB 1072

Summary of SB 1072 (Session 2025) – Constitutional Amendments: Cannabis

Purpose and intent

  • SB 1072 proposes to amend the North Carolina Constitution to establish a framework for the qualified decriminalization and medical use of cannabis.
  • The measure seeks to add two concurrent constitutional provisions: 1) A provision recognizing a right to possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use, subject to general laws enacted by the General Assembly. 2) A provision recognizing a right to possession of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions, subject to general laws enacted by the General Assembly.

Both provisions are intended to be decided by voters in a statewide referendum set for November 3, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Constitutional amendment for personal use

  • Adds Section 39 to Article I (Declaration of Rights) stating:
    • The possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use shall not be a criminal offense in North Carolina.
    • The General Assembly shall enact general laws governing possession of limited amounts for personal use, consistent with this section.
  • Referendum: Voters will decide, at the November 3, 2026 general election, whether to adopt this amendment.
  • Ballot language:
    • " FOR AGAINST Constitutional amendment allowing the possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use subject to certain conditions enacted by the General Assembly."
  • Certification: If a majority votes in favor, the amendment is effective upon certification by the State Board of Elections and enrollment by the Secretary of State.

Section 2: Constitutional amendment for medical use

  • Adds a new Section 39 (renumbered/duplicated in Section 2 as the medical-use provision) to Article I stating:
    • The possession of limited amounts of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions shall not be a criminal offense.
    • The General Assembly shall enact general laws governing medical cannabis possession consistent with this section.
  • Referendum: Voters will decide, at the November 3, 2026 general election, whether to adopt this amendment.
  • Ballot language:
    • " FOR AGAINST Constitutional amendment allowing the possession of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions subject to certain conditions enacted by the General Assembly."
  • Certification: If a majority votes in favor, the amendment is effective upon certification by the State Board of Elections and enrollment by the Secretary of State.

Section 3: Effective date

  • The remainder of the act (aside from the constitutional amendments) becomes effective when the act becomes law.

Who/what is affected

  • State constitution: Adds two new rights related to cannabis possession.
  • General Assembly: Must enact general laws governing:
    • Possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use.
    • Possession of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions.
  • Electorate: North Carolina voters will determine the amendments in the 2026 statewide election.
  • Administrative bodies: State Board of Elections and Secretary of State will handle certification and enrollment if the amendments receive majority support.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Filing date: May 4, 2026.
  • Referenda scheduled for: November 3, 2026 general election.
  • If voters approve:
    • Amendments become effective upon certification (by the State Board of Elections) and enrollment by the Secretary of State.
  • If voters reject:
    • Neither amendment takes effect; the existing constitutional framework remains in place.

Summary assessment

  • SB 1072 aims to constitutionalize two cannabis-related reforms: personal-use decriminalization of limited cannabis possession and medical-use possession for qualifying patients.
  • Both reforms would be subject to subsequent general-law regulation by the General Assembly, implying ongoing legislative discretion to define “limited amounts,” qualifying medical conditions, and implementation details.
  • The measure places the policy choice directly before voters in 2026, with immediate legal effect only if approved.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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