ANSON COUNTY, N.C. (WJZY) - North Carolina Supreme Court Justices are set to hear arguments about whether the smell of marijuana qualifies as a reason for probable cause with police.
Three cases argue that, because hemp is legal in North Carolina, the sight or smell of alleged marijuana does not give police probable cause anymore. They cite a State Bureau of Investigation memo to lawmakers, which warns the two plants look and smell the same.
An Anson County Certified USDA Hemp Grower who agrees said there is only one way to tell.
This grower asked to hide his identity and location so no one would be tempted to steal from him. He said smell is not enough to know the difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana.
“You have to get it tested,” the Anson County grower said. “It’s real