2008 legislative session begins; medical marijuana study bill introduced
Last update: June 20, 2008
The North Carolina General Assembly has started its 2008 session. Sadly, patients suffering from debilitating illnesses — such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS — face arrest and jail for using medical marijuana, even when their doctors agree it can help relieve their symptoms.
Medical marijuana study bill introduced
Fortunately, though, Rep. Earl Jones (D-Guilford) has introduced House Joint Resolution 2405, a bill to allow the legislature's Legislative Research Commission to study the issue of medical marijuana. If this legislation is passed, it will be an important first step for passing an effective medical marijuana law and giving North Carolina patients the relief they need and deserve. Please take a moment now and urge your representatives to support the medical marijuana study bill. With our automated system, it will only take you a moment. We even have several prewritten letters from which you can choose.
Educational meeting on study bill scheduled
On Wednesday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. (note the new time), there will be an educational meeting of the House Science and Technology Committee about the bill in the Legislative Office Building auditorium. Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former surgeon general for the United States, will present medical information for the committee. We'd like as many people as possible to attend and show their support for medical marijuana patients. Please remember to dress and act professionally. The North Carolina General Assembly tends to be conservative, so it is imperative that we make a good impression and appeal to their mainstream, compassionate instincts.
Twelve states already have laws protecting seriously ill patients who use medical marijuana. It's time for North Carolina to join them. Tell your legislators that it's time this cruel policy ends.
If you are a medical professional, a patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, or if you know somebody who might benefit from medical marijuana, we would like to hear from you. Additionally, if you are a law enforcement official, a clergy member, or a member of the legal community, please e-mail Zane@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
In order to move forward with marijuana policy reform, there needs to be an open discussion about the issue throughout the state. After e-mailing your state legislators, help continue the discussion of our failed marijuana policies by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.
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To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in North Carolina, be sure to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service, if you haven't done so already.
