North Carolina Voters May Soon Decide Fate of Cannabis Legalization
A proposed bill in the North Carolina Senate could give voters the power to decide on cannabis legalization in the state. Senate Bill 1072, sponsored by three Democratic senators, would put two constitutional amendments on the ballot in November, allowing voters to decide whether to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis for personal use and/or permit medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions.
The bill’s sponsors, including Senators Caleb Theodros and Paul Lowe, believe that the General Assembly has failed to take action on cannabis legalization for too long and that it’s time to put the decision in the hands of the voters. “I think for over a decade now, the General Assembly has failed to act on this question,” said Senator Theodros. “The only folks who are willing to act are voters.”
While the bill would allow voters to decide on legalization, it does not specify the details of how a legal framework would work. Lawmakers would need to establish guidelines for cannabis use, including how much would be allowed and how a medical program would operate.
Senator Lowe emphasized that the bill is not intended to allow for the free use of large quantities of cannabis, but rather to permit small amounts for personal use. “We’re not trying to legalize you walking around with a kilo,” he said. “But I think an ounce, two ounces, or a half an ounce, something to that nature ought to be legal.”
Ultimately, the fate of cannabis legalization in North Carolina will be decided by the voters if the bill is passed.
