North Carolina Senate Passes Hemp and Kratom Bill 37-6, Awaits House Vote Before August Recess

Why it matters

North Carolina would become one of the larger states to restrict kratom access if House Bill 328 passes in its current form. The bill bans synthetic kratom outright and limits natural kratom products to buyers 21 and over — joining a growing wave of state-level regulation that echoes federal moves on 7-OH.

The big picture

North Carolina has no existing kratom-specific regulation. HB 328 originated as a hemp THC reform bill but expanded in conference to include kratom restrictions. The Senate passed it 37-6 on July 2 after senators described visiting dispensaries that openly sold high-THC products near schools with minimal restrictions. The House adjourned before voting but is expected to reconvene the week of July 27.

Key findings

• The NC Senate passed HB 328 37-6 on July 2, 2026, with six Democrats voting against
• The bill bans synthetic kratom products entirely
• Natural kratom products would be restricted to buyers 21 and older
• Hemp products exceeding 0.3% total THC by dry weight would be illegal under the bill
• The NC House adjourned without voting but is scheduled to return the week of July 27
• Sen. Sawrey noted it was the second time the Senate sent a version of the bill to the House
• House Speaker Destin Hall said his chamber needed more time to review the technical language

What they say

"We have got to do something, and we've lobbed bills over to the other chamber time and again at this point and I'm getting frustrated with chasing the goalposts," said Sen. Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston County).

Bottom line

**North Carolina's hemp and kratom reform bill passed the Senate decisively but now stalls in the House, with a likely vote expected late July — a decision that would restrict kratom access for over 10 million state residents.**