Archive · 2026-07-21

Things can move more slowly in the South, and cannabis legalization along with regulations is no exception. This does not mean the progress made here should be discounted or ignored. Keep reading for updates regarding the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, plus the status of cannabis business licensing in each state.

North Carolina Cannabis Business License Updates

As of June 2026, there is no pathway to obtaining a cannabis business license in North Carolina. The only operating dispensary is EBCI’s Great Smoky Cannabis Co., which is located on tribal land and only legal due to its tribal sovereignty.  For those looking to sell strictly hemp products under 0.3% THC, there are currently no state-specific retail license requirements. There is, however, House Bill 328, titled “Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables,” which would require licensing, pending in the legislature as of mid-2026.  This same bill aims to sharply restrict intoxicating hemp products. The legislation caps THC content in hemp-derived products at 0.4 milligrams per container, which aligns with federal standards set to take effect in November 2026.  Further, the bill also imposes an age restriction of 21-years-old on purchases of hemp products containing THC. If approved by the House and signed by the governor, the age restrictions would take effect immediately, while the new THC standard would take effect in November. Eric Stahl, owner of Modern Apotheca, said in an interview that these changes would “essentially” outlaw “99% of the products” the company sells. Stahl noted he has pressed lawmakers for regulations, rather than an outright ban. North Carolina governor Josh Stein supports legalizing cannabis; residents in the state spent about $3 billion on illicit marijuana in 2022, according to a recently released state report commissioned by the governor’s office. As of publication, no openings for cannabis business licenses in NC are posted.

South Carolina’s Beneficial Disagreement

Due to an inability to agree among state lawmakers, hemp THC products remain legal in South Carolina. Another effort to rein in the market failed recently after hemp industry proponents and those seeking an all-out ban collectively defeated a House bill, after it passed in the Senate.  Although legislators agree products should not be in the hands of children, proposals on how to restrict sales of edibles and infused drinks have divided the GOP in both chambers over the past two legislative sessions. House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton, who sat on the special committee tasked with reaching a compromise, reminded House members to no avail that a failure to pass the bill would mean a wide array of THC-infused products would stay on shelves available for people of all ages to buy.  South Carolina requires a state retailer license from the Department of Agriculture for anyone selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products, with a $250/location fee, mandatory info disclosure to the state and inventory inspections. All SC hemp businesses must also comply with general tobacco/vape retail rules if selling smoking accessories, as well as local zoning and business licensing, which may vary by city and/or county. You can read more about the SC hemp business licensing here. 

Georgia Cannabis Business Licensing

Cannabis business licensing in Georgia is the bright spot here, as it is the only state accepting a license application. The Peach State is allowing for application submittal for dispensing licenses. Fees range from $15,000 for a Tier 1 County Fee to a $40,000 Tier 4 County Fee. All applications include a $5,000 Dispensing License Application Fee. Recently, the state’s governor signed into law changes to Georgia's medical cannabis program, including elimination of the 5% THC cap on cannabis products, adding new qualifying conditions such as lupus and autism, including THC-infused gummies and cannabis flower for vaping to the program, plus changing the term to describe the products available to patients from “low THC oil” to “medical cannabis.” State officials have until January 1, 2027, to create rules and regulations for the market, including a new “seed-to-sale” tracking framework.

Florida Cannabis Business Licensing

A word to those looking to build a business, starting with a cannabis business license in Florida: voting Republican will get legalization nowhere. As reported by Marijuana Moment, all Florida Republican Governor candidates are united in opposing recreational cannabis.  This is despite the voter approval at nearly 56% to legalize adult use of recreational marijuana on the November 2024 ballot. Approval at 60% is required for legalization passage. GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds noted his position at a campaign event recently, saying “I do not support recreational marijuana. I think the current regulatory system around medicinal use is fine.” Candidate and investment firm CEO James Fishback conveyed he is opposed to recreational marijuana in Florida, saying “I have seen what it has done to cities that have already tried it, from New York to Chicago to Washington D.C. The foul stench of pot in public parks and outside our schools can never come to Florida.”  In April, Lt. Gov Jay Collins said in a video posted on social media, “I am completely against legalizing marijuana…I stand with Governor DeSantis on this. No compromises, and no money from the marijuana industry.” Another Republican candidate, former House Speaker Paul Renner, said this about the topic: “I’m against full-blown recreational marijuana. We have medical…And we opened that up to the extent where it needs to be, but I’m opposed to recreational. Period. If it came back on the ballot, I would campaign against it as Gov. DeSantis did.”

Get the Latest on Cannabis Business Licensing in Florida and Across the U.S. at CannaCon

Stay informed about cannabis business licensing in FL, as well as other states, with CannaCon, the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference. Their trade shows feature a large exhibition hall with exhibitors from around the country as well as seminars delivered by industry experts. Join us today! This article was originally published on July 12, 2019. It was updated on Dec. 19, 2023, and again on July 21, 2026.