Why it matters: The bill to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina is unlikely to pass in the current legislative session due to insufficient support among Republican lawmakers.
What they are saying: House Speaker Tim Moore said that he will not bring the bill to the floor unless it has majority support from the Republican caucus. While Moore personally supports the bill, he does not believe there are enough Republicans willing to vote for it. House Majority Leader John Bell shares this perspective and predicts the bill will be revisited next year.
The big picture: The bill to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina faces significant opposition within the Republican caucus, despite support from Democrats and the public. Although there have been efforts to pressure the legislature to act on the reform, it appears unlikely that the bill will advance in the current session.
What to watch: Advocates for medical marijuana legalization will need to continue their efforts to build support among Republican lawmakers in North Carolina. They may also explore alternative strategies to bring attention to the issue and generate momentum for future legislative sessions.
My take: It is disappointing that the medical marijuana bill is facing significant resistance from Republican lawmakers, despite support from the public and growing acceptance of cannabis reform nationwide. However, the momentum for legalization is still strong, and advocates should continue their work to educate lawmakers and build support for this important issue.
