Why it matters: The bill to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina is unlikely to advance in the 2023 legislative session due to lack of support from the Republican House majority. This means that patients with qualifying medical conditions in the state will continue to be without legal access to medical cannabis.
What they are saying: House Speaker Tim Moore and House Majority Leader John Bell both acknowledge that there is not enough support among Republican members to bring the bill to a vote. However, supporters of the legislation, including Democratic Senator Paul Lowe, believe that ongoing discussions with Republican leaders may change their position and lead to a vote on the bill in the future.
The big picture: The North Carolina Compassionate Care Act would provide legal access to medical cannabis for patients with specified serious medical conditions. However, the bill does not legalize recreational marijuana and aims to protect patients and doctors from criminal penalties. Despite bipartisan support in the Senate, the bill faces obstacles in the House due to lack of support from the Republican majority.
What to watch: It remains to be seen whether ongoing discussions and potential reevaluation from Republican members will lead to a vote on the medical marijuana legalization bill in the future. Advocates will continue to push for the legislation, and it may be considered during the next legislative session in 2024.
My take: It is disappointing that the medical marijuana legalization bill in North Carolina is likely dead for this legislative session. Patients with qualifying medical conditions are left without legal access to a potentially beneficial treatment option. While there may be ongoing discussions, it is uncertain whether Republican lawmakers will change their stance on this issue. It is important for advocates to continue their efforts and push for the bill to be considered in future sessions.
