HB 328 Update: The House Needs to Act | Eastern NC Now

HB 328 Update: The House Needs to Act

Take Action: Return America is asking you to contact your State Representative

by Dr. Mark Creech
Director of Government Relations
Return America

North Carolina lawmakers still have an important decision to make about intoxicating hemp products, which are widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, vape and smoke shops, and online across the state. These products can contain high levels of THC and may cause severe intoxication, confusion, anxiety, impaired judgment, and other serious health effects. This is especially true for children and teenagers.

For a more comprehensive explanation of HB 328, see: When Delay Becomes a Decision on Intoxicating Hemp

The danger is not theoretical. Since 2019, North Carolina’s rate of emergency-department visits for THC ingestion among children and youth ages 17 and younger increased by more than 600 percent by 2023. Among older teenagers, the increase exceeded 1,000 percent.

That is one reason House Bill 328 – Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables, remains important.

The North Carolina Senate approved the conference report on July 2 by a vote of 37–6, but the House has not yet acted on it. The measure remains pending in the House.

The conference report would remove most intoxicating hemp products from lawful retail sale, prohibit certain synthetic or chemically converted cannabinoids, and restrict remaining hemp-derived consumables to adults 21 and older.

Although lawmakers may return for limited sessions before the election, the full General Assembly is not expected to conduct substantial business again until after the election. That makes the weeks while lawmakers are back home very important.

Return America supports passage of the Senate-approved conference report.

If you are concerned about the growing availability of intoxicating drugs in North Carolina, now is the time to contact your Representative in the North Carolina House. Do not wait until lawmakers return to Raleigh. Email your Representative as soon as possible, follow up with a phone call, and make sure your Representative knows your position on HB 328 while legislators are still home in their districts.

Don’t know who represents you in the NC House? Follow the steps on the NCGA website to find out: Find Your Legislators

Click here for simple talking points and a ready-to-use sample email to help you contact your Representative in the North Carolina House about HB 328.

When You Call Your Representative

Always be courteous. You may or may not get to speak directly with your Representative. If your Representative is unavailable, speak with the Legislative Assistant. Provide your name and address, and make clear that you are a constituent. If you are a pastor, identify the church you serve in your Representative’s district.

If no one answers, leave the same information in a voicemail, along with your message about HB 328. A clear, respectful voicemail can be just as effective as speaking directly with someone.

HB 328 remains alive, but there is no guarantee it will be voted on before the biennium ends. That is why constituents who care about this issue should ensure their Representative knows their concerns before lawmakers return to Raleigh. For our children’s safety, this is a critical bill whose passage should not be delayed.

Rev. Mark Creech
Rev. Mark Creech is a longtime pastor and former executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina. He now writes and speaks on issues of faith and culture and serves as Director of Government Relations for Return America.