North Carolina Medical Marijuana Bill Defeated by House Committee

RALEIGH, NC — A bill that would have legalized medical marijuana possession and use in North Carolina has been rejected by a legislative committee, effectively killing the issue for the next two years.

Representative Kelly Alexander (D – Mecklenburg) introduced House Bill 84, the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act, February 7 to the floor of the House.

The House Rules Committee voted Wednesday to give an unusual “unfavorable report” to the measure after brief debate and public comment.

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According to Rep. Paul Stam (R-Wake), lawmakers we’re being “harassed” with phone calls and emails from citizens asking to advance the medical marijuana legislation.

“We did it to be done with it, so people could move on for the session,” said Rep. Stam.

The committee listened to public comments about the bill for about 20 minutes before voting.

The decision means this bill and the issue are likely dead at the General Assembly through 2014.

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HB 84 would have protected North Carolina residents who suffer from HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other ailments from arrest and prosecution for using marijuana if their physicians recommend it.

The legislation would have also allowed for the creation of medical marijuana centers where patients or their caregivers could purchase their medicine. Certain medical marijuana sales would have been taxed.

A statewide poll by Public Policy Polling, conducted in January 2013, reported that 58 percent of respondents approve of allowing for the medicinal use of marijuana.

This is the third legislative session in a row that a medical marijuana bill has been defeated in North Carolina.

The 2011-12 legislative session also saw lawmakers consider, but not vote on, a bill to reduce penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana, also sponsored by Rep. Alexander.

Tags: Kelly Alexander