Policy · 2026-07-03
NC Senate's 37-6 Hemp and Kratom Vote: "Doing Nothing Was Not an Option," Berger Says
Source: NC Newsline
Why it matters
North Carolina's Senate passed a bill that would ban most intoxicating hemp products and restrict synthetic kratom sales — at the state level, regardless of what the federal government ultimately decides. The House returns July 27 to accept or negotiate the Senate version. That decision affects thousands of retailers and millions of consumers statewide.
The big picture
North Carolina is navigating three overlapping regulatory timelines: the DEA scheduling of 7-OH concentrates, the pending federal Farm Bill hemp provisions, and now this Senate bill. The Trump administration sent a letter to Congress just weeks earlier urging reversal of the federal hemp ban — creating political tension the NC House will have to weigh. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's position is clear: pass a state ban now so North Carolinians are protected no matter what Washington does.
Key findings
- Senate passed HB 328 37-6 on July 3, with bipartisan support citing a 600% increase in ER visits among minors related to cannabis products since 2019
- The bill would ban hemp products with over 0.4 milligrams total THC per container — industry groups say this would eliminate roughly 99% of current retail inventory
- Natural kratom sales would be restricted to adults 21 and over; synthetic kratom would be banned entirely
- The Trump administration sent Congress a letter in June urging reversal of the federal hemp ban
- The House returns July 27 and will decide whether to accept the Senate version or negotiate a conference report
What they say
"The personal loss that has occurred across the state of North Carolina as a result of these products is such that we just could not and should not delay any further." — Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), speaking after the July 3 vote
Bottom line
The North Carolina House has until July 27 to decide whether to accept the Senate's sweeping hemp and kratom restrictions — a vote that will reshape the market for thousands of retailers across the state.