In the past few months there has been progress in North Carolina when it comes to legalizing medical marijuana! Residents have been anxiously waiting for a marijuana program to be established and legalized so that qualifying patients may have access to marijuana.
There is hope on the horizon, and things seem to be moving quickly! Senate Bill 711, the Compassionate Care Act, is making progress to be turned into a law. SB 711 recently passed the NC Senate, and is headed to the Finance, Healthcare, and Operations committees for final approval!
Stay updated about the progress of this bill here at North Carolina Marijuana Card and or give us a call at (833) 781-7320 where we can answer all of your questions about cannabis coming to your state! If you reserve your appointment today, you’ll get $25 off your appointment when that time comes!
Recap of Senate Bill 711
Back in April 2021, Republican Senator Rabon introduced SB 711 . This bill would allow people suffering from cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease to qualify for medical marijuana! Giving people access to this type of medicine would be a game changer for many.
On June 30th, 2021 the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee voted in approval of Senate Bill 711! This means that the bill will now move onto three more committees for their approval: finance, healthcare and rules and operations. The bill is scheduled to go before the Senate’s Finance Committee on July 13, 2021. If approved by the three committees, it will still have to pass the Senate and House before being signed into law by the governor. A bill like this has never made it this far in the process so it is a big deal!
Who Actually Supports this Bill?
Senate Bill 711 is the first bill to have actual support from the more Conservative leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly!
The most powerful and popular person supporting this bill is Republican Senator Bill Rabon. He is a chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which decides what bills make it to the Senate floor for a vote. Rabon is one of the main sponsors and was the one who introduced this bill! Rabon now shows his support for medical marijuana with the hope to help those suffering from cancer, PTSD, and more.
Rabon said that he has been pushing for medical marijuana since 2010 but only behind the scenes. He realized that things would not change unless he publicly put his name on this topic.
Wilmington Republican Senator Michael Lee is also a co-sponsor of SB 711. While he does not support recreational marijuana, he does believe that medical marijuana should be legal and available to those suffering from debilitating conditions.
Kathy Harrington, a Senate majority leader, is another Republican who has changed their perspective on this issue. Her husband was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma (type of blood cancer). After hearing from her fellow GOP colleagues and researching multiple myeloma, she has changed her mind and decided to support legalizing medical marijuana. It’s important that our loved ones are as comfortable as possible while they are fighting their condition.
Senator Michael Lazzara from Onslow County now shows support for medical marijuana. Onslow County is also home to Camp Lejuene and many Marine Corps veterans. Lazzara sees how thousands of damaged veterans are coming home and how the system seems to be failing this population. These veterans suffer from PTSD and physical disabilities, and doctors just prescribe them multiple medicines including Oxycontin, Antidepressants and Percocet. These medicines can be extremely addictive and dangerous to people. Some don’t want to take these medications and are looking for an alternative form of relief.
Lazzara read studies that show the benefits of cannabis and how it can help those suffering from PTSD. These veterans sacrificed their life, well-being, mental and physical health, and family to fight for our freedoms. The least we can do is give them the opportunity to get access to a medicine that can help them.
While other state leaders are still hesitant to support the medical marijuana program, some are still trying to keep an open mind about this issue. Cabarrus County Republican Senator Paul Newton believes that some have to get comfortable with this idea and that they need to keep an open mind.
As of May 2021, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states and has growing support throughout the country. It is time North Carolina leaders see the benefits of this program and stop hindering people from this opportunity!
What Can I Do?
Since SB 711 is still in the process of becoming a law, you still have time to contact your state representatives to show your support for legalizing medical marijuana!
As always, we would be happy to help you get your North Carolina Marijuana Card when it becomes available, or answer any questions that you may have.
If you reserve your North Carolina marijuana evaluation appointment today, you’ll get $25 off the total price when the time finally arrives!
Stay tuned for updates on this bill and the progress that is made!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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