North Carolina House Speaker Opens Door to Medical Marijuana Legalization This Year
In a recent interview, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R) expressed a willingness to consider medical marijuana legalization this session, marking a potential shift in the state’s stance on the issue. Hall’s comments come as a local advocacy group, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), has been pushing for medical cannabis reform in the state.
Medical marijuana legalization has been a long-standing issue in North Carolina, with Sen. Bill Rabon (R) championing the cause. Rabon’s legislation has passed the Senate several times, but has stalled in the House. However, Hall’s comments suggest that GOP representatives may be more open to the proposal this session.
Kevin Caldwell, Southeast legislative manager for MPP, welcomed Hall’s comments, noting that it’s a “monumental change” from previous sessions. Caldwell believes that many new Republican House members have heard the call of their constituents and may be open to a medical cannabis bill.
The development is seen as a positive sign, particularly given President Donald Trump’s expressed support for medical marijuana. Trump’s endorsement of a Florida adult-use cannabis ballot measure, Amendment 3, has filtered down to state legislators, according to Caldwell.
A recent poll found that 71% of likely voters in North Carolina support legalizing medical marijuana in the state, with majorities across party lines and in every surveyed demographic in favor of the reform.
Despite repeated efforts in recent sessions, lawmakers have failed to move medical marijuana legalization forward. However, with Hall’s comments and the growing public support for the issue, there is hope that this session may be different.
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) has also expressed support for medical marijuana legalization, saying that it’s an “opportunity” to address the issue, as well as hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC that are being sold on the market.
The development is a significant step forward for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina, and advocates are hopeful that this session will finally see the issue move forward.
