North Carolina Democratic lawmakers have taken a significant step towards legalizing medical cannabis with the introduction of the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. The bill aims to provide patients with access to cannabis as a treatment for debilitating conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and for individuals receiving end-of-life care.
The proposal, led by state Reps. Aisha O. Dew, Pricey Harrison, Zack Hawkins, and Nasif Majeed, seeks to create a list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis access. If passed, it would allow licensed physicians to recommend medical cannabis for patients who meet the criteria, offering an alternative treatment for those suffering from chronic and debilitating illnesses. The bill also includes provisions to establish the North Carolina Cannabis Research Program, which would focus on conducting scientific and objective research regarding the use of cannabis and cannabis-infused products as part of medical treatment.
While this bill marks a significant step forward for medical cannabis in the state, it is not the first attempt to bring such legislation to North Carolina. In 2024, a similar bill was introduced by Republican state Rep. Bill Rabon, which was approved in the Senate but never received a vote in the state House of Representatives. Despite this setback, supporters of the legislation remain hopeful that the new proposal will gain traction.
Currently, adults in North Carolina can access cannabis through dispensaries operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in the Qualla Boundary, an area where tribal law allows the sale of cannabis. However, state-run dispensaries are still not authorized to provide medical cannabis to patients.
Public support for legalizing medical cannabis in North Carolina is robust. A recent poll conducted by Meredith College in February revealed that 71% of state voters support the legalization of medical cannabis access, with only 23% opposed and 6% unsure. This strong public backing underscores the growing momentum for cannabis reform in the state.
With this new bill, North Carolina could join the increasing number of states that have legalized medical cannabis to provide relief for patients suffering from serious health conditions. As the legislation progresses, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates will be closely watching the developments, hoping that this proposal will be the key to expanding patient access to much-needed medical treatments.
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