By a resounding 35-10 vote on Thursday, the North Carolina state Senate gave its initial approval to a restrictive, limited-license medical marijuana law, bringing that state one step closer to becoming the 40th in the nation to legalize MMJ.
Despite fears from activists and one senator that the state’s domestic hemp growers, processors, and merchants would be financially challenged by the medical cannabis sector, the measure received significant support.
Senate Bill 711, often known as the North Carolina Compassionate Act, was approved after a second reading.
Before being referred to the state House of Representatives, the bill needs one more vote on a different day.
If the bill is approved by the House, Democratic Governor Roy Cooper will be asked to sign it.
Up to four dispensaries could be opened by each license holder, with at least one of those being located in an economically disadvantaged county.
The vertical structure raised concerns from Democratic Senator Julie Mayfield, who claimed that only big multistate firms would have the financial wherewithal to participate.
The 10 suppliers or vertically integrated operators would be required to pay a monthly charge equal to 10% of their gross income under Senate Bill 711, which would go toward supporting cannabis research.
A 30-day supply of medicinal marijuana could be purchased by individuals with one of more than a dozen “debilitating medical diseases,” including as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to their doctor’s recommendations.
