North Carolina: Medical marijuana receives almost unanimous approval in GOP-controlled general assembly

By Maureen Meehan

A key Senate committee overwhelmingly voted in favor of a proposal to allow the use of medical marijuana in North Carolina under certain conditions and to set up a state network for its supply and distribution.

The vote was considered historic.

A change of course

No North Carolina Senate committee has ever voted on medical marijuana, local television station WRAL reported.

A House committee rejected a proposal back in 2015, and since then no bill has been heard in the two chambers until the Senate Judiciary Committee’s bipartisan vote on Wednesday.

Photo by HighGradeRoots / Getty Images

The bill was amended to reduce the number of distribution centers from a maximum of 80 nationwide to 40 and to lower the fine for violating it to $ 100. The medical marijuana trade would receive a slightly more severe penalty than the non-medicinal marijuana trade.

“We plan to tighten any loose ends,” said State Sen. Bill Rabon, the bill’s sponsor.

RELATED: Why the Southern States Are Still Pushing Back on Marijuana Legalization

“I was very moved by this from my personal experience, and at times it was difficult for me to speak to some people about it,” Rabon, a cancer survivor, told the committee. “But I will say again that the time has come for this to be discussed, and we must take compassionate care of our fellow human beings in every possible way.”

The senator’s colleagues agree

“We have people who need certain types of help to get better, and I am concerned that we are doing whatever is necessary to ensure that all of our citizens have a better quality of life,” said Senator Paul Lowe, another major sponsor of the bill.

Photo by thegoodphoto / Getty Images

Republican Senator Kathy Harrington added, “If you had asked me six months ago if I supported this law, I would probably have said no, but life is coming your way,” she said. “My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and had some cancer treatments, and I think we have had a few moments in our lives when these types of drugs would have helped.”

RELATED: Raleigh Mayor Accidentally Adds Vape Pen to Social Distancing Post

Proponents of legalization say the bill does not go far enough, that it is restrictive and too narrow. Conditions such as chronic pain, mental health problems and the reduction in opioid use are not included.

On the other hand, several religious conservative groups are against the law because it goes too far.

The vote was by vote and has two more committee hearings before going to the Senate for a vote, which could take place in the second week of July. The bill would then have to pass the State House.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.