Single North Carolina Republican Brings Medical Cannabis Bill to Standstill

Efforts to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina have hit a roadblock in the House.

The bill successfully passed the state Senate with support from both political parties. However, House Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican, has stated that he will only allow the bill to progress if a majority of GOP legislators agree to vote in favor of it, says a WUNC report. While a majority of GOP caucus members have expressed willingness to let the bill move to the floor, a complete agreement has not been reached.

Senate Rules Chairman Bill Rabon, frustrated by the obstruction, introduced an amendment to an unrelated House health care bill, which requires marijuana legalization for the health care bill to become law. This bill is sponsored by the chairs of the House Health Committee, the committee responsible for voting on the marijuana bill.

Despite the challenges, Rabon is optimistic about the bill’s eventual passage, WUNC noted. He has included appointments to the Compassionate Use Advisory Board and Medical Cannabis Production Commission in another bill that passed the Senate. These entities would be responsible for regulating and overseeing the legalization of medical marijuana.

Rabon’s proposed bill emphasizes strict control over marijuana production and distribution, limiting access to patients with severe conditions like cancer, AIDS, and post-traumatic stress disorder.