The NC Advisory Council on Cannabis has recommended that North Carolina lawmakers create a regulated adult-use cannabis system, calling the status quo "unacceptable". The council recommends that cannabis products be regulated based on their intoxicating effect rather than separate systems for hemp and marijuana. The report argues that a legal recreational program would add oversight, protect consumers and children, and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Currently, North Carolina is one of only 10 states without a medical or adult-used cannabis program. The council's recommendations also raise concerns about youth access and public health. The final report will be released in December.