Media Mention: Attorneys Tyler Russell and Marley Peterson Featured in Triad Business Journal Coverage of NC Hemp Bill

Ward and Smith attorneys Tyler Russell and Marley Peterson recently provided insight to Triad Business Journal reporter Elizabeth “Lilly” Egan for two recent articles covering North Carolina House Bill 328, legislation that could significantly restrict the sale of hemp-derived products in the state.

The first article, “Update: Legislators Table Near Total Ban as Hemp Businesses Protest Impact,” published August 4, covered the state House’s decision to table the bill following pushback from hemp industry advocates. Tyler, co-chair of Ward and Smith’s Hemp Law practice group, explained the practical impact of the bill’s proposed total THC threshold:

“Effectively we’re just proposing to change the definitions of things in a way that restrict the total THC concentration to such a small amount that no one can yet practically comply with the requirements.”

The story continued two days later in a follow-up piece, “NC House Delays Vote on Hemp Ban as $3.2 Billion Industry mobilizes Against Restrictions,” published August 6. In this article, Tyler credited the strength of industry advocacy for the House’s decision to delay a vote:

“Individuals from all industries and walks of life who have a stake in this showed up, spoke up and participated in the process and legislators heard them, which is a great thing.”

He also weighed in on the economic stakes involved:

“Looking at this from an economic standpoint, it paints a scary picture to just flip a switch and then it’s gone. This is an economic engine in and of itself.”

Marley Peterson, a government relations attorney at Ward and Smith, also spoke with the publication about the legislative timeline ahead. She noted that lawmakers in both chambers are not expected to revisit the bill until at least after the November 3 general election. Under the Adjournment Resolution, legislators have scheduled two return opportunities following the election: November 16 through November 19, 2026, and November 30 through December 18, 2026. December is expected to be the final adjournment of the 2025-2026 legislative biennium.

Together, the two articles reflect Ward and Smith’s ongoing role in helping clients navigate the shifting landscape of hemp and cannabis regulation in North Carolina. You can read both articles behind the paywall.