A North Carolina bill to legalize medical marijuana has been rereferred to a new committee in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 3 was approved by the Senate by a vote of 36 to 10 in March, advancing it to the House. The measure was quickly assigned to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee, where it has remained Since March 6. However, today the bill was reassigned to the House Health Committee. If it’s passed by the Health Committee, it will advance to the Finance Committee before it can be considered by the full House.
Under Senate Bill 3 – titled the “Compassionate Care Act” – those with a “debilitating medical condition” such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and post-traumatic stress disorder would be allowed to possess and consume medical marijuana and marijuana products if they receive a recommendation from a licensed physician.
The measure would allow 10 medical marijuana suppliers to control the cultivation and sale of cannabis, with each allowed to operate up to eight dispensaries. A Compassionate Use Advisory Board would be established to consider adding new conditions that would qualify an individual to become a medical marijuana patient. The proposal would also establish a Medical Cannabis Production Commission to regulate and oversee marijuana supplies.
More information on Senate Bill 3 including its full text can be found by clicking here.
