Raleigh, N.C. — A bill to legalize marijuana for medical purposes cleared a key North Carolina legislative committee on Wednesday, moving one step closer to becoming law.
The Senate Rules Committee backed the measure with strong bipartisan support, advancing Senate Bill 711 to a full chamber vote.
State Sen. Bill Rabon, a Republican who represents a coastal district and chairs the rules committee, said the measure seeks to give those who need compassionate care an additional medical resource.
“It is nothing more than trying to help those people with the care that they need and augment their treatments as decided upon by the patient and by a physician,” he said.
The bill is expected to go to the floor of the state Senate for a vote on Thursday. It would then need final approval from the chamber on a different day before advancing to the state House, according to Lauren Horsch, a spokeswoman for Republican Senate leader Phil Berger. If it clears the House, it would go to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for final approval.
Jordan Monaghan, a spokesman for Cooper, reiterated previous sentiments of the governor’s support for legalization for medical marijuana.
“Studies have shown medical marijuana can offer many benefits to some who suffer from chronic conditions, particularly veterans, and the Governor is encouraged that North Carolina might join the 36…
