Medical Marijuana Bill Passes North Carolina Senate Committee, Bipartisan Support Growing

The measure from GOP Sen. Bill Rabon, SB3, was filed as the first piece of legislation in the North Carolina state Senate in 2023.

Co-sponsored by Sens. Michael Lee, (R) and Paul Lowe (D), the bill is expected to have even more bipartisan support.

In June last year, the state Senate approved the NC. Compassionate Care Act with bipartisan support in a 35-10 vote. The bill, co-sponsored by Rabon sought to allow cannabis with higher levels of THC to treat debilitating conditions such as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, North Carolina House Republicans decided not to legalize medical cannabis later that month.

It is now expected that the new version of the bill will pass the full Senate, although it is still not clear if it will gain enough support in the House. There are, however, Republicans who back medical marijuana. For example, GOP House Speaker Tim Moore signaled that the support is possible with appropriate limitations included in the bill, writes WSCO-TV.

House interest “seems to be growing, and I’m very happy to hear that,” said Rabon, who is a cancer survivor.

The Bill's Highlights

People with conditions like cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, ALS, sickle cell anemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD and multiple sclerosis would qualify to use medical marijuana. Terminal patients or those in hospice care could also qualify.

Smoking and vaping cannabis in public, in a vehicle or at work, among other public places will not be permitted.

If enacted into law, the bill would set up the Medical Cannabis Production Commission, which would be responsible for approving up to 10 medical cannabis licenses, with each being allowed to operate a total of four medical cannabis centers. Some supporters of the bill are concerned that this number of licensed operators is not sufficient to deal with the need of state residents. Licensees would have to grant 10% of their monthly revenues to the state. 

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