A bill legalizing medical marijuana in North Carolina passed a final vote in the state Senate on Monday evening. The bill, called the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, was approved easily with a 36 to 7 vote after months of debate and revisions. But it may have more trouble getting through the House.
The Republican-backed bill legalizes medical marijuana for a number of conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The bill received bipartisan support in the state Senate, where it was sponsored by Republican Sens. Bill Rabon and Michael Lee and Democratic Sen. Paul Lowe.
“It is our duty as lawmakers to pass legislation that helps people who need our help,” Rabon said on the floor of the Senate last week. “It is not going to make them ashamed or reluctant to seek help if it is recommended to them by their physician.”
Rabon said the bill has tighter regulations than any other medical marijuana laws in the country.
North Carolina is in the minority when it comes to marijuana laws. Across the country, 37 states have legalized either medical or full…
