Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act
To register as a caregiver click here.
In 2014, the North Carolina legislature signed House Bill 1220, the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act into law.
It was amended in 2015 (see House Bill 766). The purpose of this act is to permit the use of hemp extract as an alternative treatment for children with intractable epilepsy.
Law enforcement officers please find caregiver verification information below in FAQ #10.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is hemp extract?
2. Who qualifies as a patient?
3. Who qualifies as a caregiver?
4. How do I register as a caregiver?
5. Am I allowed to carry the hemp extract outside my own home?
6. Are there limitations on the type of hemp extract I can possess?
7. Can I produce my own hemp extract?
8. Does this medication cover any other ailments, disorders or illeness?
9. Who do I call for more information?
10. As a law enforcement agent, who do I call to check on caregiver status?
1. What is hemp extract?
Hemp extract is an extract from a cannabis plant, or a mixture or preparation containing cannabis plant material.
2. Who qualifies as a patient?
A person who has been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy for which other treatment options have not been effective. The patient must be diagnosed and referred by a neurologist licensed in North Carolina There is no specific age limitations for patients.
3. Who qualifies as a caregiver?
A caregiver must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of North Carolina and the parent, legal guardian or custodian of a patient.
4. How do I register as a caregiver?
Download, print and complete the Caregiver Registration Form. The information on this form must be legible. The form must be signed and include a photocopy of the caregiver’s ID (NCDL, NC State Issue ID or Military ID).
Send the form to the following address:
NC Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Registration
3008 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Once all materials have been completed and your registration has been processed, you will receive a letter from Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services with your status as a caregiver. This letter must be with you when carrying the hemp extract.
5. Am I allowed to carry the hemp extract outside my own home?
Yes. As long as you have your DHHS Caregiver Registration letter you can carry the hemp extract with you.
6. Are there limitations on the type of hemp extract I can possess?
Yes. Specifically, the hemp extract must be composed of less than nine-tenths of one percent (0.9%) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by weight, at least five percent (5%) cannabidiol (CBD) by weight and may contain no other psychoactive substances.
7. Can I produce my own hemp extract?
No. The law only allows for patients to use and possess the hemp extract meeting the specifications above (FAQ #6). It is illegal to cultivate or produce any hemp extract for the purpose of treating intractable epilepsy, or otherwise, in the state of North Carolina.
8. Does this medication cover any other ailments, disorders or illeness?
No. This legislation only covers possession and utilization of hemp extract to treat intractable epilepsy.
9. Who do I call for more information?
For further questions, please contact the Drug Control Unit at 984-236-5100.
10. As a law enforcement agent, who do I call to check on caregiver status?
The Drug Control Unit will be available to provide this information during office hours: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. An online registry for extended verification hours is in development.
Please call 984-236-5100 to verify a caregiver. You will need to provide your name, title, department and badge number.