RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — After years of efforts in vain, there's a renewed push to get medical marijuana across the finish line in North Carolina.
On Monday, the North Carolina Senate voted 36-10 to legalize medical marijuana with bipartisan support.
However, similar efforts have stalled in the House of Representatives in recent years.
To appeal to House conservatives who may be wary, this version of HB 563 includes several changes.
Even if federally legalized, recreational marijuana would not be legal in the state unless approved by the General Assembly.
The existing hemp and CBD markets will also be subject to stricter regulations, including stronger ID checks and ensuring products are kept under lock and key.
At Durham's Heal Tree CBD, we say we'll do it anyway, but if it helps people feel less anxious, it's worth it.
“When it comes to regulation around it, there's always going to be a few bad apples that ruin it for everyone. So instead of just expecting everyone to comply with the regulation, put that regulation out there. It's a lot easier to have an honor system when you always have a few bad apples,'' says owner David Melikian.
Duke Medical is also closely monitoring what's happening in Raleigh.
Dr. David Casaletto works in the field of palliative care and says the current law can sometimes tie his hands when it comes to having honest conversations with patients.
“I need to work within the legal, I need to help patients and I need to be open and willing to talk about it, because if a patient comes to me and talks about medical cannabis and If they ask me, I say it's illegal, I can't talk about it, I'm basically closed-minded,” says Dr. Casaletto.
He said marijuana is not a silver bullet, but it could help people suffering from symptoms of Parkinson's disease or the side effects of cancer treatment.
Dr Casaletto said he was pleased that the new law included a Compassionate Use Commission to investigate its benefits.
“If it were to become legal in North Carolina, I think the law would be a lot better after a little bit of drag. So it's a little frustrating. But in the long run, I think we want it to be legal.” he says.
ABC11 reached out to Speaker Tim Moore's office to ask when the House will vote on this, but has not heard back, and the clock is ticking on this session.
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