North Carolina Senate approves medical marijuana bill

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The Tar Heel State is a step closer to allowing medical marijuana, but the path isn’t easy

Last night, it was announced that the bill seeking to legalize medical cannabis in North Carolina had no problem passing through a final vote in the Senate. Dubbed the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, the bill garnered more than 35 votes in favor, which is a good indication after several revisions and months of debate. Still, many believe the House will be a difficult hurdle to overcome.

The Republican-backed legislation is intended to legalize medical cannabis in order to target a number of ailments in state residents. These conditions range from epilepsy to cancer, HIV/AIDS, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bipartisan measure is sponsored by Republican Senators Bill Rabon and Michael Lee and Democratic Senator Paul Lowe.

“It is our duty as lawmakers to pass legislation that helps people who need our help,” Rabon said on the floor of the Senate last week. “It is not going to make them ashamed or reluctant to seek help if it is recommended to them by their physician.” The lawmaker also added that the bill comes with regulations that could be considered the strictest in the country’s medical cannabis market.

More than 35 states across the country have legalized marijuana in one form or another, which leaves North Carolina a retailer’s list when it comes to these laws. During the last session, veterans groups showed up to support the bill by telling stories of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many say medical marijuana is one of the few options to help relieve severe PTSD and chronic pain.

It is still unclear what will happen to the bill now that it is in the House. General Assembly leaders say they expect to finish this year’s brief session by July 4, which gives the House just under a month to make a decision.