RALEIGH — The first day of bill filing was led by Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, who filed the NC Compassionate Care Act (SB3), a bill that legalizes medical cannabis. On Wednesday, January 26, 2023, he was joined by Sens. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, and Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth as primary sponsors.
The North Carolina Compassionate Care Act lists many debilitating medical conditions for which doctors could prescribe medical cannabis as part of a patient’s treatment, including cancer, epilepsy, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
According to the bill’s summary posted on the NCGA website, SB3 would require the state Department of Health and Human Services to issue “registry identification cards” to anyone who would qualify to be prescribed medical cannabis by a licensed physician, and set standards for doctors to issue that prescription.
Sens. Rabon and Lee introduced a similar bill last year. It passed the Senate 36-7, but did not make it out of the House Rules Committee.
“The Compassionate Care Act had great momentum and bipartisan support last session,” said Rabon. “It’s imperative that we continue to fight to ensure that North Carolinians with debilitating illnesses can receive the treatments they deserve.”
The North Carolina Medical Society has supported the development of research regarding medical cannabis in the past. See the NCMS Policy here. The NCMS Board of Directors is meeting January 28, 2023, and is expected to discuss the issue again.
Would like to see medical Marijuana legalized in Northcarolina in plan terms smart politics be nice to see it legalized for recreational also
It’s deeply disappointing that arthritis is not on this list. I am moving to NC from a state with a more comprehensive medical MJ program and it helps me manage my pain. I’m scared to lose access to it.
After i got back from the gulf serving I started having stomach, skin breakouts and pain. If they would make it legal for medical use is a start to help a lot of people who suffer from medical issues.
Samantha
If the bill is passed and they can use for medical purposes. I have been told in the past a little over a year ago. That veterans who go to the va for healthcare needs will not be able to benefit from this. Due to it being a federal issue. My husband who served 30 years could benefit greatly from such a bill being passed. But also was told that the va will not be allowed to treat with cannabis and if he goes outside the care of the va for treatment. Any other issues he may have arise with health issues, if he has in his system with any type of labs they can refuse to treat. I really hope that this is not true and the va clinics and doctors will be able to provide to veterans in great need.
Guess it’s one of those catch 22 issues. Which really sucks for our veterans. Something to check into just in case. Which it may differ from state to state but worth your checking to be prepared.
Thank you for your service and good luck.
My MIL is a heavy user, and sees the VA and she still receives treatment, she’s just always been open and honest about her cannabis usage as compared to the cancers she has had and they’ve always been understanding!
I am a Vietnam veteran suffering from liver cancer
( due to the military )
It totally helps with all my pain and anxiety. My doctors would prescribe
Medical marijuana if it was legalized. Medication does not help and causes many side effects
It’s time NC!!!
“It’s imperative that we continue to fight to ensure that North Carolinians with debilitating illnesses can receive the treatments they deserve.”
I currently work at a cannabis dispensary in NC and the amount of patients coming in because they’ve been removed off their medication after 20+ years is unbelievable. Many people are in need of medical cannabis right now. Medical marijuana needs to be legal in NC asap!
How do you work at a cannabis dispensary in NC if medical Cannabis isn’t legal yet?
Wheres this dispensary located? I didn’t know there was one in NC
Where would a person search for the medical Marijuana dispensing location?
I am 75 years old and I have had 6 surgeries leaving me with a 17-inch titanium rod in my back. The spasms in my back and rib cage are debilitating causing me to not breathe as well.
I was able to experience the amazing relaxing results of cannabis when I traveled to a state where it was legal and I was able to breathe normally again. There are so many who suffer that should not have to suffer with pain. Please consider covering cannabis in North Carolina. for citizens that suffer every day and want to get off of opioids.