WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Could North Carolina become the next state to legalize medical marijuana? That question is up in the air as the North Carolina 2024 legislative session began on Wednesday.
Veteran Rob Rens has followed possible bills over the years as they’ve gotten bi-partisan support in the state senate but ultimately went up in smoke in the house.
“My cynicism tells me it’s political football now,” Rens said.
Josh Stevens has epilepsy and believes access to cannabis would help his condition, but he questions the motives at the House.
“I think it’s interesting that the state prioritizes things like sports gambling over a medicinal purpose that could help cancer patients,” Stevens said. “I think it’s way overdue.”
Ben Erichsen owns Wilmington Dispensary and is optimistic about the new legislation.
“Whether it comes from the federal or state level, I expect legalization in this state within five years,” Erichsen said.
One only has to look at the state’s first legal medical marijuana dispensary for proof of change, although it resides on sovereign Native American lands with its own strict rules and regulations.
Rens hopes the first dispensary will light a fire for lawmakers to get a medical marijuana bill across the finish line for the rest of North Carolina.
“My hope in it is our elected representatives and officials in Raleigh will look at that as the inspiration they need to get something on Governor Cooper’s desk this year,”…
