RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina senators are pushing to relegalize medical marijuana, but it's unclear whether the state Legislature will approve it.
The Senate bill, which was originally intended to add state regulation to hemp products, was significantly amended Wednesday when lawmakers added a provision to legalize medical marijuana. The proposed amendment would apply to patients with “debilitating medical conditions” such as cancer or epilepsy who are eligible to receive a prescription for medical cannabis from a doctor.
This was announced pending the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to remove marijuana from Schedule I drugs to Schedule III, allowing its medical use.
The draft bill, which adds several restrictions on federally legal hemp products, was approved in committee Wednesday morning before being voted on by the full Senate. Federal law allows the sale of hemp products that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, one of the main psychoactive substances in traditional cannabis.
The cannabis regulation bill was suddenly sent back to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday afternoon to add 35 pages of medical marijuana provisions.
New provisions include requirements for doctors to prescribe medical cannabis, how people can obtain medical cannabis identification cards, what it takes to obtain a medical cannabis supplier license, and restrictions on smoking in certain locations. An overview is provided.
The bill would require written certification from a physician for patients eligible to use cannabis for medical purposes.
The original hemp law, which still exists, prohibited the sale of such products to people under 21, required testing before distribution, and required permits to sell legal hemp products such as THC gummies and cannabis-infused drinks. is required.
Despite renewed momentum in the Senate, House Republicans' current position on medical marijuana legalization is uncertain. Just earlier this month, House Speaker Tim Moore suggested there wasn't enough support.
“There is no uncertainty, but at this point in time, there are no votes in this caucus for this bill,” Moore said.
Senate Rules Committee Chairman Bill Labon, a vocal advocate for medical marijuana, told The Associated Press after the committee that he reached out to Moore Wednesday morning but did not receive a response. He also discussed the amendment with other House leaders and members of his caucus, but said he had “no idea” whether they would consider approving it.
“I'm very optimistic, but I'm also very tenacious,” the Brunswick County Republican said.
The Senate tried to legalize medical marijuana last year under a bill led by Lavon, who claimed he smoked marijuana while undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. The medical marijuana bill died in the last Congress because it did not receive enough votes in the House after it was approved by the Senate.
Medical marijuana products are legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Labon said the amended bill was voted on in the Senate on Thursday and is expected to be voted on again on Monday.
