This week, a Medical Marijuana proposal advanced through a North Carolina Senate committee with unanimous support.
The proposal allows for those with certain medical conditions to access, possess, and consume medical cannabis. Additionally, the proposal seeks to erect a state network to supply and distribute cannabis to local regions. A maximum of 40 such distribution locations, down from the originally drafted 80, are outlined in SB 711, also known as the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act.
This draft of medical cannabis legislation in North Carolina acknowledges that “cannabis and cannabinoid 14 compounds are effective at alleviating pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with several debilitating medical conditions.”
This event signifies the first time in North Carolina’s history that medical marijuana has advanced far enough, in any form, to be voted on by a legislative body. The vote was conducted by voice and will need to pass through two more committee hearings to see a vote on the Senate floor. The earliest this bill could see that milestone reached is mid-July. If it manages to progress from there, it will be taken to the House for a vote.
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As part of the proposed legislation, cannabis possession, which is currently decriminalized, has had its infraction fine reduced to $100.
Among those sponsoring the bill is Senator Bill Rabon. A cancer survivor himself, Rabon relates his personal experience to the matter and hopes to convince his colleagues of the benefits of medical cannabis, despite their skepticism. Rabon addressed the committee, asserting, “I have been quite moved by this because of my personal experience, and at times, it has been difficult for me to talk to some people about that. But I will say again that that time has come that this needs to be discussed, and we need to compassionately care for our fellow man in any way that we can.”
Another sponsor of SB711, Senator Paul Lowe further attested to the need for such alternative therapies, stating, “We have people that need certain kinds of help to get better, and I’m concerned that we do all the things that are necessary so that all of our citizens can live a better quality of life.”
Senator Michael Lee, who is also a sponsor of the bill, acknowledged and agreed with opponents of the bill regarding the reservations and the dangers of marijuana, particularly for children and teenagers. In his address to the committee, he offered, “Recreational marijuana is not something we want in our state. I have four children ages 14 to 21. It is something that parents across our state and our country are battling every single day. But that should not keep us from doing the right thing for those people who are suffering from debilitating conditions that are outlined in the statute.”
Several members of the committee spoke out as to the narrow constraints the proposed bill placed on patients, caregivers, and operators. Among them, Senator Natasha Marcus stressed that the bill is “very restrictive” compared to the 36 other states with legislation allowing medical marijuana. “We don’t want to continue to make criminals out of caregivers and patients and war veterans who could be helped by medical marijuana, so I support this bill.”
Religious groups also spoke out in opposition to the bill, noting that even the American Medical Association opposes the medical use of cannabis. Reverend Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, harangued, “Smoked marijuana is not medicine.”
Other Senators offered anecdotes of their own views on medical cannabis, changed by the afflictions of their loved ones. Senator Kathy Harrington admitted that “If you’d asked me six months ago if I’d be supporting this bill, I’d probably have said no, but life comes at you fast. My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and has been going through some cancer treatments, and I believe we’ve already had some moments in our lives where this type of medication would have assisted.”
Advocates for cannabis legalization were able to address the committee as well, offering their own stories of debilitating medical issues and how medical marijuana had helped them. Chris Suttle offered thoughts candidly, asserting that the way the bill is currently written would have omitted him and his bout with a brain tumor from eligibility. Suttle was blunter in his address than other opponents of the bill, and for other reasons, stating, “You call this the Compassionate Care Act. I call this an insult. The number of dispensaries that you are offering is ridiculous for a state that has 100 counties. The extra regulations that you are putting on this are not fair to those that have been hurt the worst by the war on drugs.”
