North Carolina Voters May Soon Decide on Cannabis Legalization
A new bill proposed by three North Carolina state Senate Democrats could give voters the power to decide on the legalization of cannabis in the state. If passed, Senate Bill 1072 would put two constitutional amendments on the ballot this November, allowing voters to decide whether to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis for personal use and/or allow medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions.
The bill’s sponsors, including state Senators Caleb Theodros and Paul Lowe, believe that it’s time for voters to have a say in the matter, as the state legislature has failed to act on cannabis reform for over a decade. “We wanted to put it up to the voters,” said Theodros. “I think for over a decade now, the General Assembly has failed to act on this question. The only folks who are willing to act are voters.”
While the bill would give voters the opportunity to decide on cannabis legalization, it would not provide details on how much cannabis would be allowed or how a medical program would work. Instead, lawmakers would be required to develop a legal framework once voters have made their decision.
Theodros and Lowe emphasized that they are not seeking to legalize large quantities of cannabis, but rather small amounts for personal use. “We’re not trying to legalize you walking around with a kilo,” said Lowe. “But I think an ounce, two ounces, or a half an ounce, something to that nature ought to be legal.”
However, Lowe warned that creating a regulatory system for cannabis would be a complex and challenging task, even if voters approve the amendments. “The General Assembly would have the responsibility of creating a regulatory system around cannabis and that might be more work than passing the bill,” he said.
