NC3 is committed to serving the state's business community spanning industrial and consumable hemp to industry research, education and business resources.

Hemp's Federal Status

North Carolina's hemp industry and cannabinoid access are at risk

The federal government's Nov. 12 reopening language leaves just one year for legislators to either amend the definition of hemp or extend the timeline. Otherwise, the vast majority of the existing hemp products in the state of North Carolina will become illegal on Nov. 12, 2026.

On Dec. 18, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to accelerate the federal recognition of marijuana’s accepted medical use by rescheduling to Schedule III. The order also instructs Congress and government agencies to develop clearer federal standards regarding hemp-derived cannabinoids that protect public health while preserving access to legitimate, therapeutically useful products.

This executive order does not legalize new products in North Carolina, but it does set the stage for federal guardrails that could reshape how hemp-derived cannabinoids are produced, formulated and sold.

Help Block the Ban

Hemp business owners – activate your email database to fight the hemp ban.

This "Free the Whole Plant" toolkit provides tools to educate your email subscribers, activate your community, and encourage consumers to speak up about the 2026 hemp ban.

Get the Toolkit

STAY IN THE KNOW

Join NC3 Chamber

NC3 Chamber offers a variety of membership levels for individuals, businesses and organizations to network, develop business and establish a strong foundation for our industry.

✍🏽 Professional

$425 annually

Membership includes:

Access to general chamber events
Member-only perks (discounts, educational webinars, job boards)
Inclusion in the NC3 Member Directory
Monthly newsletter and industry updates
Invitation to join committees and volunteer opportunities

💼 Business

$1,250 annually

Membership includes:

Includes up to 2 members
Business listing with logo and link on NC3 website
Recognition at one chamber event per year
Access to industry roundtables and working groups
Promotional spotlight in the NC3 newsletter (1x/year)
Eligibility for discounted vendor and sponsorship opportunities

🏢 Executive

$2,500 annually

Membership includes:

Includes up to 4 members
Premium listing in the online directory
Logo placement on select event signage and marketing materials
Priority consideration for speaking at chamber events
VIP invitations to executive roundtables and policy briefings
Up to 4 complimentary tickets to select NC3-hosted events

⛰️ Founding Member

$10,000

Membership includes:

“Founding Member” designation and badge across all platforms
Logo placement on homepage and print materials
1-year Board seat, including committee leadership.
Press release and co-branded media spotlight announcing partnership
Complimentary sponsorship at a signature event
Lifetime recognition as a founding supporter of NC3

Chamber Member Values Agreement

NC3 Chamber is designed to be inclusive of all professional and lawful aspects of the cannabis industry with the intent of being collaborative and respectful, not divisive or politically charged. By applying for membership in the NC3 Chamber, I affirm that I (and any associated representatives of my membership) will:

Conduct myself in a professional, ethical, and collaborative manner.
Support the mission and goals of the Chamber.
Avoid behavior that is disruptive, unethical, or harmful to the cannabis industry or Chamber operations.

I understand that membership may be revoked for failure to adhere to these standards, subject to review and decision by the Board of Directors.

Executive Leadership

Kelly Riddle

Chairperson of the Board

15+ years marketing and executive leadership, cannabis business expertise and legacy advocacy.

View Bio

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Q. Nicole Vanderhorst

Vice Chairperson of the Board

Founder & CEO of WH Farms Co., a North Carolina hemp cultivator and manufacturer.

View Bio

Grow with Us

The NC3 Chamber is dedicated to cultivating a thriving and responsible hemp business community in North Carolina. As the industry expands, we are leading the charge in advocacy, education and economic development—ensuring businesses like yours have the resources, connections and support needed to succeed.

Become an NC3 Event Sponsor

By becoming an NC3 Chamber sponsor, you’ll gain high-visibility recognition, exclusive networking opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of North Carolina’s hemp industry.

🌱 Cultivator

Plant the seeds for growth and innovation in the industry.

Sponsorship includes:

Recognition on NC3 Chamber website and social media
Listing in the sponsor directory
Discounted event tickets and networking access
Sponsorship of 1 NC3 Chamber event

🚀 Trailblazer

Help pave the way for progress and policy development.

Sponsorship includes:

All Cultivator Sponsor benefits
Logo placement on event materials and signage
Speaking opportunity at select chamber events
Feature in NC3 Chamber newsletter
Sponsorship of 2 NC3 Chamber events

🏆 Legacy Sponsor

Establish your business as a pillar of the cannabis industry in North Carolina.

Sponsorship includes:

All Industry Trailblazer Sponsor benefits
Exclusive "Founding Sponsor" designation
VIP access to chamber events
Prominent logo placement on website, marketing and press releases
Featured recognition at all major chamber events (3-4 annually)

Your sponsorship fuels the movement—become a partner in shaping the future of North Carolina’s hemp industry and strengthening business opportunities.

👉 Join us as a sponsor and make your impact today! Contact us to get started.

Get in touch