Q2-2026 · Hoban Regulatory Index

North Carolina Cannabis Regulatory Score

D-

39/100

Composite Score

#37

of 50 states

v1.0

Methodology

First period — no prior rank available

Score Breakdown

License Access(25% weight)

Open licensing regimes, absence of artificial operator caps, and transparent application processes.

Market Competition(15% weight)

Competitive market structure, low barriers to entry and vertical integration, active secondary market.

Enforcement Posture(15% weight)

Suspension, revocation, and fine frequency relative to licensed operator count.

Regulatory Velocity(15% weight)

Predictability and timeliness of agency rulemaking, licensing decisions, and public notice.

Hemp / THCA Stance(10% weight)

Favorable state treatment of hemp-derived cannabinoids, THCA flower, and inhalable hemp products.

Banking Friendliness(10% weight)

Access to state-chartered cannabis banking programs, credit unions, and merchant services.

Social Equity(10% weight)

Meaningful equity license tracks, fee waivers, reinvestment fund provisions, and expungement programs.

Regulatory Tracker

North Carolina Enforcement Actions

Primary-source suspensions, fines, rule changes

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