North Carolina
Biden administration plans to reclassify marijuana. What does that mean for North Carolina?
The Biden administration may change the federal government’s position on marijuana, according to reports about a plan that would recognize the medical use of cannabis.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will propose that marijuana be recategorized under the Controlled Substances Act, according to reporting by the Associated Press and NBC News. The outlets cite anonymous sources with knowledge of the plans.
The plan would not legalize marijuana, but it would reclassify it from a Schedule I drug — believed highly dangerous, addictive and without medical use — to a Schedule III drug that can be lawfully prescribed as medication.
The historic shift in American drug policy could have implications across the country, including in North Carolina, one of just 12 states that have not legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use.
Here’s a look at what the DEA plan could mean for the legalization of marijuana in North Carolina.
What would the federal reclassification of marijuana mean for North Carolina residents?
If the DEA recategorizes marijuana, it would have no effect on the legal standing of marijuana in North Carolina, said Phil Dixon, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Government.
“This doesn’t change much of the situation on the ground,” he said Wednesday. “This has no impact on our own state criminal law.”
Marijuana is illegal in the Tar Heel State. Lawmakers would have to pass a bill to legalize the drug and Gov. Roy Cooper would have to sign the bill into law to change that, Dixon said. Or, if the governor does not sign the bill, both chambers would have to override the veto with a three-fifths majority vote.
More on the historic move: Biden administration plans to drastically change federal rules on marijuana, reports say
Federal reclassification of the drug, however, would loosen restrictions on the research of marijuana and medicine derived from marijuana, Dixon said. It could lead to more marijuana studies done on college campuses and at private pharmaceutical firms, he said.
How soon could marijuana dispensaries open in North Carolina?
When North Carolinians can expect to see marijuana dispensaries on state land depends on when the state legalizes the drug, Dixon said.
While the federal reclassification may lead to some momentum for marijuana legalization advocates, the administrative move alone does not necessarily mean that North Carolina residents will be able to shop at dispensaries any sooner, he said.
“It’s not going to lead to dispensaries because it doesn’t authorize medical nor recreational marijuana,” he said.
Could military cannabis regulations loosen?
Dixon said that although military installations are on federal land, the armed forces make their own rules. Federal reclassification of marijuana would not affect whether military personnel can use it, he said.
Can weed be purchased in North Carolina?
Marijuana can be purchased at one dispensary in the mountains of western North Carolina.
The first cannabis dispensary in the state opened April 20 in Cherokee. The 10,000-square-foot facility is on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land, where medical marijuana is legal under tribal law.
On state land outside of the Qualla Boundary, however, the drug remains illegal. Marijuana possession can result in misdemeanor and felony charges with up to $500 fines, a year in jail, or both.
Meanwhile in the mountains: North Carolina’s 1st dispensary opens on 4/20, but only for medical cannabis
Great Smoky Cannabis Company can only sell to people with medical marijuana cards issued by the EBCI, other tribal bodies or another state.
North Carolina residents with a medical attestation from a doctor that they suffer from one of 18 qualifying conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card at ebci-ccb.org.
The following conditions qualify a patient for an EBCI medical marijuana card:
- Acquired immune deficiency syndromes.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- An autoimmune disease.
- Anorexia nervosa.
- Cancer.
- Dependence upon or addiction to opioids.
- Glaucoma.
- A medical condition related to the human immunodeficiency virus.
- A neuropathic condition, whether or not such condition causes seizures.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Sickle cell anemia.
- Amyotrophic lateral syndrome.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- A condition resulting in the patient receiving hospice care.
- A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces, for a specific patient, one or more of the following: cachexia; muscle spasms, including, without limitation, spasms caused by multiple sclerosis; seizures, including, without limitation seizures caused by epilepsy; nausea; or severe or chronic pain.
Have North Carolina legislators moved to legalize marijuana?
Last year, a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina passed in the Senate, but was still pending in the House when the legislative session adjourned in late October.
Details on last year’s bill: The state Senate approved a medical marijuana bill, The Compassionate Care Act
If the Compassionate Care Act passes, it would be among the strictest medical marijuana programs in the country, Dixon said. The bill narrowly defines where marijuana can be grown, sold, smoked and the medical conditions that would qualify a patient for a medical marijuana card.
Reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com.
Less than two weeks after losing its head coach to Duke University, a North Carolina high school football program has been promoted from within.
Kevin Reddick will become the new head coach at Rolesville High School, replacing Ranier Rackley, who became the Director of Player Development at Duke University.
News of the decision was first reported by High School OT.
Reddick was the defensive coordinator for the Rams for the past three seasons, helping the team win 25 games during that run. Last year, Rolesville allowed just under 15 points per game with Reddick in charge of the defense.
North Carolina High School Promotes Defensive Coordinator To Head Coach
Rolesville finished 9-4 last season under Rackley and Reddick.
Reddick is a graduate of New Bern High School, helping the Bears capture the 2007 Class 4AA North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Football championship. He was tabbed the most valuable player of that title game as a sophomore fullback after scoring two touchdowns in a 28-17 victory over Independence.
At New Bern, Reddick earned conference defensive player of the year honors and was all-state at lineback as a senior after recording 189 tackles, eight quarterback sacks, six forced fumbles and four blocked punts. He also ran for over 160 yards and scored six touchdowns.
Kevin Reddick Was College Standout, Had NFL Career Before Becoming Coach
Following his high school career, Reddick signed with North Carolina as a four-star prospect, earning first team all-ACC honors as a senior. He also had offers from North Carolina State, Virginia and Clemson.
With the Tar Heels, Reddick played in 50 games, recording 275 tackles, including 36 for loss, with 8.5 quarterback sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Reddick signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie free agent, and also had stints with the San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills.
Rolesville reached the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Football championship game with Reddick on the coaching staff and the third round this past season.
Rolesville Returns Top Rusher, Several Other Key Players
The Rams will be replacing starting quarterback Kaleb Williams, who had almost 2,500 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, as freshman Chase Williams was 8-for-8 for 98 yards with a touchdown in three games.
They will have top running back Amir Brown back, as he ran for 1,374 yards with 22 touchdowns and six games of 100 yards rushing as a junior. He also had 13 receptions for 106 yards and another TD.
Anthony Roberts is another key player back, as he caught 35 passes for 656 yards and nine TDs. Top tacklers Jayden Broadie, Javon Campbell, Genesis Allen and Keonte Sutton are all set to return, as well.
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At least two people are dead and “several” others are injured after a “planned fight” at a North Carolina park escalated into a mass shooting, authorities said.
Police have identified several victims and suspects after Monday’s shooting at Leinbach Park near Jefferson Middle School, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Authorities confirmed there were multiple victims in the shooting, but did not provide an exact number. The suspects were still at large over two hours later.
Officers were called to the park just before 10 a.m. after reports of a fight, which then escalated into multiple people shooting each other.
Area schools are not in lockdown, and classes are operating as normal, police said.
“Due to the number of people involved, efforts are ongoing to account for everyone. At this time, some of those involved in the incident are juveniles,” police said.
According to local news station WFMY, at least three people were taken to the hospital. Officials have not shared their conditions.
Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and remains under investigation.
This is a developing story
The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 6-2-0, Fireball: 6
Evening: 4-1-7, Fireball: 5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 7-6-9-4, Fireball: 4
Evening: 8-1-5-6, Fireball: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
02-21-32-35-37
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Double Play numbers from April 19 drawing
18-26-27-31-42
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 19 drawing
32-42-52-53-55, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:
- Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
- Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.
When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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