The following answers were provided by Mickey Tillman, a candidate for Craven County Sheriff. NC Hemp Facts has preserved the substance of his response. Publishing a candidate response informs voters and does not, by itself, constitute an endorsement. Other candidates and public officials are welcome to submit responses to the same questions.
Received and published October 14, 2026
“Thank you for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on these issues. I appreciate the work you're doing to educate the public, and I believe your questions deserve straightforward answers.”
“First, I believe a sheriff's responsibility is to enforce the laws as they are written, regardless of personal opinions. I also believe there is a difference between enforcing the law and abusing the authority that comes with the badge. I will not tolerate anyone working under my leadership using their position to intimidate, harass, or unfairly target individuals or businesses.”
1. Do you support North Carolina's lawful hemp businesses, farmers, and consumers?
Mickey Tillman: “Yes. I support the right of individuals and businesses to operate legally under North Carolina law. If a business is following the guidelines established by the state, I see no reason for unnecessary interference from law enforcement.”
2. Do you support regulation rather than eliminating the legal market?
Mickey Tillman: “I believe reasonable regulations, including age restrictions, product testing, licensing, and accurate labeling, deserve consideration. We already have age restrictions on alcohol and tobacco, and I understand the importance of protecting consumers, especially minors. I also believe regulations should be reasonable, supported by reliable information, and not place unnecessary burdens on legitimate businesses.”
3. How would you ensure lawful hemp businesses and their customers are not mistakenly treated as illegal marijuana operations?
Mickey Tillman: “Training and accountability would be essential. Deputies and investigators should understand the laws they are responsible for enforcing, including the legal differences between hemp and marijuana.
“I would expect officers to have a reasonable factual and legal basis for their actions rather than making assumptions about a business or individual. Proper training, supervision, and sound investigative practices help protect both the public and the officers enforcing the law.”
4. Would your office prioritize dangerous drugs and major trafficking organizations over lawful hemp activity and low-level cannabis possession?
Mickey Tillman: “Having supervised narcotics investigations during my law enforcement career, I've seen firsthand the damage dangerous drugs and trafficking organizations can cause to families and communities.
“I believe our enforcement priorities should reflect the seriousness of an offense and the threat it presents to public safety. Dangerous drugs, major trafficking operations, and those who prey on others deserve significant attention and resources.
“My priority will be targeting major drug trafficking organizations responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities, while continuing to address street-level drug activity. I believe effective enforcement means addressing the problem at every level, including its source. As sheriff, I will uphold the laws of North Carolina regardless of my personal opinions. Disagreeing with a law does not give me the authority to disregard it.”
5. Do you support medical cannabis or a regulated adult cannabis market?
Mickey Tillman: “I've read about the benefits that hemp, medical marijuana, and their derivatives have provided to people dealing with various medical conditions, particularly when it comes to improving their quality of life.
“I believe those experiences deserve to be heard and considered. I'm open-minded about medical cannabis and willing to learn more from medical professionals, patients, and those with firsthand experience.
“As for a regulated adult-use market, I would want to better understand the proposed regulations, public safety considerations, and potential consequences before taking a firm position.
“When it comes to minors receiving treatments involving these substances, I believe parents or legal guardians should be involved in those medical decisions.”
6. What is your position on HB 328 and its proposed 0.4 mg total-THC-per-container restriction?
Mickey Tillman: “I understand that HB 328 raises important questions about the future of lawful hemp businesses and the products available to consumers.
“Before supporting or opposing the proposed restriction, I have several questions about how testing would be conducted and who would be responsible for conducting it.
“Would testing be performed by laboratories regulated or approved by the state? Would the product be tested in its original form, or would heat be applied during the testing process? If different methods produce different results, how would those differences be addressed to ensure accuracy and consistency?
“I would also want to know how laboratory independence is established and whether there are safeguards against potential conflicts of interest. For example, do testing laboratories receive funding or other financial support from organizations that have taken a position for or against the hemp industry or these proposed restrictions?
“I'm not suggesting that any laboratory has acted improperly. I simply believe these are reasonable questions when testing results could affect someone's livelihood or potentially lead to criminal charges.
“I would also want to understand how the proposed restriction would affect existing businesses and consumers, including those who use these products to improve their quality of life.
“I don't believe in pretending to have all the answers. I'm willing to listen, ask questions, and educate myself before taking a position. I believe decisions should be based on reliable science, accurate information, and fairness.”
7. May NC Hemp Facts publish your answers for Craven County voters?
Mickey Tillman: “Absolutely. You're welcome to publish my responses. I believe voters deserve to know where candidates stand on issues that affect their lives and livelihoods, even when we may not agree on everything.”
This page records a candidate's stated position. Candidate statements are attributed to the speaker and are not treated as independent proof of disputed facts. NC Hemp Facts welcomes the same opportunity for other candidates to respond.