N.C. House of Representatives fail to act on medical cannabis bill in 2022

For the first time ever, the North Carolina Senate passed a medical cannabis bill. However, the House of Representatives adjourned without taking up the legislation. Veterans and suffering patients will have to wait at least another year.

On June 6, 2022, the North Carolina Senate passed SB 711 the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, sponsored by Sen. Bill Rabon (R), by a vote of 36-7. The bill, which was introduced in 2021, passed through four Senate committees before it was taken up by the full Senate.

The House of Representatives’ Republican majority reportedly voted against taking up the bill during 2022’s short Spring session. House Speaker Tim Moore (R) said “there are a lot of concerns with this bill right now. I think it’s something that’s going to really require further study. The Senate brought this bill quickly to the floor. This is one of the more controversial subjects in the state, and country”

Due to this inaction, North Carolina continues to be an outlier, as one of only 13 states that have not enacted a medical cannabis program in the country. In a January 2021 poll, Elon University found 73% of North Carolinians supported medical cannabis. In a May 2022 poll, support had increased to 82% with strong bipartisan support. North Carolinians continue to want a medical program implemented. You may inform your legislators that you support medical cannabis.

On November 8, North Carolina will have elections for the General Assembly House and Senate seats. You can register to vote and see sample ballots here.  Voters should reach out to their House candidates to see where they stand on medical cannabis legislation and work to help elect a more compassionate House this November. Make sure your voice is heard in the Tar Heel state!

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Task force recommends decriminalization

In 2020, a task force convened by Gov. Roy Cooper (D) to study racial inequities in the criminal justice system recommended the state decriminalize marijuana possession. Under current law, possession remains a class 1 misdemeanor, subject to up to 45 days imprisonment and a $200 fine. You may inform your legislators that you support decriminalization or the complete end of prohibition.

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