North Carolina is one of only 10 states without a regulated adult-use marijuana market or medical marijuana program.

Some state leaders are hoping to change that.

We’ve published a new story on what changes are possible, and what North Carolina can learn from legalization within the Qualla Boundary, which is the sovereign territory of the Cherokee people. 

Cardinal & Pine readers have already told us what they think about changing NC’s marijuana laws. 

Here’s what changes might be ahead for NC’s laws. 

Avery Wilnoty prepares marijuana plants for harvest on the Great Smoky Cannabis Company farm, August 8, 2024. (USA Today via Reuters)

Happy Tuesday, NC. It’s a beautiful day. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter: 

C&P reader Kyle Dalton brought us this Easter evening view over the Sauratown Mountains in Stokes County. 

I, personally, love seeing your views from North Carolina. Send them to me by tapping here. 

Four Oaks, North Carolina, is a small community in Johnston County. (refrina via Shutterstock)

In Johnston County, local father of five Allen Hall tried something interesting after Republicans passed the “One, Big Beautiful Bill” in 2025. 

He decided to read all 900 pages. 

Hall wanted to because, as a guy who grew up on food stamps and Medicaid benefits, he knew President Trump and the GOP were planning big cuts for the working class. 

Along the way, he started writing about it. 

Hall is one of many rural community members who are linking up in these tumultuous times and figuring out what comes next. 

C&P contributor Gwen Frisbie-Fulton is one of my favorite North Carolina writers. She has a real knack for talking about the stuff that happens off-camera in rural spaces. 

Here’s her latest. 

1. Here’s how much the average electricity bill costs in North Carolina counties. Axios 

“Consumers are facing rising energy prices due to the war in Iran and the surge in data centers.”

2. Can Democrats retake the Senate? New report shows momentum in North Carolina, Ohio. The Hill

“The Cook Political Report shifted four Senate races to the left on Monday but noted that the GOP is still favored to maintain its majority in the upper chamber this November.”

3. NC lawmakers taking steps toward new constitutional amendment on property taxes. WRAL

“State lawmakers plan to meet Wednesday for what could be the first vote on a proposed new constitutional amendment. The proposal would limit how much cities and counties can raise property taxes, and possibly even force some cuts.”

Duke Blue Devils guard Ashlon Jackson (3) points to her bench during the second quarter of the game against the UCLA Bruins in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

North Carolina still owns basketball. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. 

This week, stars from two NC universities landed in the first and second round of the WNBA Draft. 

They include stars from Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Here’s who they are.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Today’s edition includes stories from Gwen Frisbie-Fulton and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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