A bill to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina, titled the Compassionate Care Act, was officially filed today in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
The legislation (House Bill 1011) is sponsored by Representative Aisha Dew and would allow patients with certain debilitating medical conditions to access and use marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. The bill creates a tightly regulated system overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services and the newly established Medical Cannabis Production Commission.
Under the proposal, individuals with conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and any condition that leads to hospice care, among others, would be eligible to become medical cannabis patients. Patients would be required to obtain a registry identification card and could designate up to two caregivers to assist them. Those under 18 could only qualify with written consent from a parent or guardian and would be prohibited from smoking or vaping marijuana.
Licensed medical cannabis suppliers would be permitted to cultivate and distribute marijuana and cannabis-infused products through tightly regulated production facilities and retail centers. The Commission would initially issue up to 10 supplier licenses, with each licensee allowed to operate up to eight retail locations, including at least one in a rural Tier 1 county. All marijuana sold would be tracked using a seed-to-sale system, and suppliers would be required to pay a monthly fee equal to 10% of gross revenue.
The legislation prohibits public consumption of medical marijuana and includes a range of penalties for violations, including unauthorized distribution or possession in excess of a doctor-approved 30-day supply. Smoking and vaping are also restricted in areas near schools, churches, and public places.
The bill is now awaiting referral to a House committee for further consideration. If approved, it would make North Carolina the 40th state to legalize marijuana for medical use.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald.
