NC Governor Stein Addresses Hurricane Preparedness & Unregulated Cannabis Market

Raleigh --   North Carolina Governor Josh Stein held a press conference yesterday, June 5, addressing the commencement of hurricane season and announcing the formation of a State Advisory Council on Cannabis.

The Governor emphasized the need for both robust state-level preparedness for natural disasters and a structured regulatory framework for cannabis products in North Carolina.

During the briefing on hurricane season, Governor Stein, joined by Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, urged North Carolinians to develop personal emergency plans. "As our state braces for hurricane season, I encourage North Carolinians be aware of emergency management warnings and resources so that they have a plan to stay safe in case of an emergency," Stein stated.

He expressed concerns about potential reductions in federal resources for agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), characterizing such cuts as a "man-made disaster" that could affect public safety. He reiterated his proposals for FEMA reform, advocating for a focus on permanent rebuilding and streamlined aid applications. "There is much room for improvement in FEMA, but abolishing FEMA exacerbates the problem as we enter another hurricane season," he said. The State Emergency Response Team has initiated its own preparations, reviewing past storm responses and refining procedures. Governor Stein also indicated an openness to a sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness items, similar to those in other states.

In a separate but significant announcement, Governor Stein signed an executive order establishing a State Advisory Council on Cannabis. This council is tasked with recommending regulations for cannabis sales, including potential adult-use legalization. Governor Stein highlighted the current unregulated status of intoxicating THC products in the state. "Today all across North Carolina, there are unregulated intoxicating THC products available for purchase: just walk into any vape shop. There is no legal minimum age to purchase these products! That means that kids are buying them," Stein said. He described the current market as a "wild west" and expressed his personal support for legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana under a regulated system to protect youth and ensure product safety. "Let's get this right and create a safe, legal market for adults that protects kids," he emphasized.

The 24-member council, comprising representatives from various state agencies, law enforcement, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expected to provide preliminary recommendations by March 15, 2026, and final recommendations by the end of 2026. In the interim, Governor Stein called upon the General Assembly to enact legislation prohibiting sales of intoxicating THC products to individuals under 21 and to establish packaging standards.

WNCTimes

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