North Carolina could soon be part of the 37 states and three territories that have legalized medical marijuana. The state senate voted twice on Wednesday, 1 March, for legislation that would legalize marijuana for medical use in the state for certain medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This bill legalized medical marijuana, not recreational marijuana. The difference is how they are legally categorized. In order to purchase medical marijuana through the state’s medical program, a person needs to be approved and have their healthcare provider authorize the use of the marijuana. A law that legalizes recreational marijuana treats it the same as alcohol, meaning adults can purchase marijuana without a medical prescription.
The passing of this law would improve lives for people all over the state. Medical studies have shown the benefits of cannabis for medical use. A 2012 study found that people with chronic medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, use medical marijuana to ease chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity. It has also been found to help people with anxiety and other disorders.
While the research being done with medical marijuana highlights its benefits, many people do not view it as a viable treatment option. Some in the senate voice their concerns, stating that there is insignificant scientific evidence to support medical use and benefits of marijuana.
A poll conducted by Elon University found that 73% of North Carolinians want marijuana legalized. This law, however, does not legalize recreational marijuana. Currently in North Carolina, possession of marijuana is a class 3 misdemeanor and a maximum fine of $200.
Legalizing medical marijuana is a step in the right direction for providing access to the drug. Legalizing it could significantly reduce the number of marijuana related arrests and allow for people to have safer access to it.
Jan Edens • Mar 28, 2023 at 10:16 pm
That’s progress!! People should have the right to access marijuana safely! Especially since the state has a Liquor store in every town!
Paul Getz • Mar 28, 2023 at 10:58 am
Of the 37 states that have legalized medical cannabis what has been learned. Of the states where it has been approved recreationally what has been learned.
Has it helped people manage their health issues? Has it reduced or increased work for the legal system? What is the potential for tax revenue. Has it created jobs? Have any of the states that legalized medical and recreational marijuana repealed their laws?
Cannabis is not lethal, people do not overdose and die from its effects. Yet we allow big pharmaceutical companies to promote addictive and lethal drugs to treat patients.
Alcohol doesn’t have medical benefit, provides tax revenue, is addictive, and causes health concerns, and it’s legal.
Tobacco, another legal drug has been proven to have profound health effects, similar to pharmaceuticals drugs and alcohol, remains available.
What are the concerns and reasons our elected representatives struggle with regarding legalization of medical and recreational cannabis?
Barbara Tuck • Mar 28, 2023 at 8:31 am
I have seen evidence of cancer patients positively affected with less pain and better sleep and appetite.
I have seen evidence of someone hooked on Percocet come off it with use of marijuana!
Gail • Mar 28, 2023 at 1:52 am
Thank you Jesus… It will help Alot of patients, with many different ailments… It will certainly hurt pharma. companys as it should…Long time coming….. Thank you North Carolina…