As of the 2018 midterm election, 33 states (more than half of our country) have officially approved the legalization of medical marijuana, with an additional 10 states allowing recreational use for the little green plant. Needless to say, big changes have taken place this year, and, if lawmakers continue to work effortlessly, we could be seeing more of this mind-altering herb than ever before. In fact, the U.S. recently approved the drug Epidiolex (a CBD-based medication) as an uncontrolled pharmaceutical drug and has released it on the market. Now, after long periods of drawn-out debate, North Carolina might be taking its first steps toward legalizing the little green plant. So what has taken place in the Tar Heel State so far? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Keeping up with the Joneses
In a recent interview with WNCT9 (a North Carolina news channel), State Representative Kelly Alexander explained how the anticipation for marijuana legalization is getting stronger and that he plans to meet with other lawmakers to discuss possible cannabis bills at some time in 2019. According to Alexander, North Carolina’s legislation must keep up with the people and start enacting locally-based changes. Overall, the system for legal weed might be a reflection of alcohol availability regulations, which are enforced on a county-by-county basis. Regardless, however, the public is still anticipating the possibility of marijuana being introduced into their state. In fact, a poll conducted by Elon University in 2017 revealed that 80% of North Carolina residents support the legalization of medical marijuana, while an additional 45% supports recreational use.
Full Political Support
So far, Representative Alexander is the only lawmaker in North Carolina to show full support for the growth of marijuana legalization. Over the past decade, multiple legislative proposals have been given to the North Carolina General Assembly, with three of these documents failing to pass in 2018 (which did not make it to hearings held by the committee). However, an October survey has confirmed that multiple leaders (ranging from business, academic, and political sectors) fully support changes to marijuana laws, which would include everything from decriminalization of pot use to the legalization of the drug (both recreational and medical).
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