North Carolina Senators Add Amendment Legalizing Medical Marijuana to Hemp Legislation
In a recent development, Republican senators in North Carolina have taken a novel approach to advancing medical marijuana legalization. They successfully integrated an amendment into a hemp and kratom-focused bill that cleared a Senate committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved legislation aimed at regulating intoxicating hemp cannabinoid products like delta-8 THC. Prior to passing the bill, committee members adopted an amendment from Sen. Michael Lazzara (R) that includes provisions allowing doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients with specific qualifying conditions.
Sen. Bill Rabon (R), a cancer survivor and advocate for medical cannabis, proposed similar language in a standalone bill. Facing hurdles with standalone legislation in the House, Rabon strategically pursued attaching the amendment to the hemp legislation as a viable legislative route.
Rabon emphasized the botanical similarities between hemp and marijuana, both classified under cannabis sativa, and argued that regulating them together makes practical sense. The approved amendment outlines conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD under which patients could access medical cannabis, including through smoking and vaping.
Despite some Democratic senators calling for additional decriminalization measures, the amended hemp bill, with its conservative medical cannabis provisions, faces uncertain prospects among Democrats.
Republican leaders have historically expressed reservations about medical marijuana legislation, citing concerns that have hindered previous bills from advancing in the House. However, evolving perspectives and strategic maneuvers by advocates like Rabon signal shifting attitudes towards cannabis policy in North Carolina.
In a related development, North Carolina's first medical marijuana dispensary, launched by an Indian tribe, has sparked controversy among certain Republican lawmakers who continue to enforce marijuana prohibition measures. Make sure to visit Wilson’s Mills Variety Store today, before the lawmakers take away your THCA.
