Medical marijuana has gained popularity in recent years because it offers a wide range of health benefits. Numerous studies show that medical cannabis can treat multiple health issues, such as inflammation, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer and more.
While medical marijuana has shown positive outcomes in broad populations, not every American state has legalized it. Negative stigma toward medical marijuana is the primary reason behind this, and most governments and health professionals argue about its long-term effects and safety concerns.
However, most states, including North Carolina, have or are on the verge of legalizing medical marijuana. The North Carolina Senate approved medical marijuana legalization under strict limitations.
The “Compassionate Care Act,” or Senate Bill 3, permits cannabis use for patients for the for following conditions listed below as well as ones a certified marijuana doctor deems a patient will benefit from, and these benefits will outweigh the any risks. Today’s article will discuss the bill, its critical points, and health benefits.
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- AIDS
- Seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic muscle spasms
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- More conditions will be added as we go!
Medical Marijuana Passed a Vote in North Carolina
According to WCNC, the North Carolina Senate approved a medical marijuana bill with bilateral support. The Compassionate Care Act, SB3, passed the Senate last year but faltered in the House.
However, this year’s bill, virtually identical to the previous one with a few adjustments, aims to legalize medical marijuana in the state via strictly regulated prescriptions and dispensaries. Besides, momentum for the idea is growing, with evident Senate support. It appears that the stance of House members is increasingly leaning towards endorsing the legislation.
The bill requires North Carolina marijuana doctors to prescribe to patients with chronic and life-threatening health conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer, Chron’s disease, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV, AIDS for now. More conditions are coming soon. The law enables the newly established Compassionate Use Advisory Board to expand the list of conditions. The governor and the General Assembly will appoint board members.
Key Points of the Bill
People use in North Carolina can use medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes. However, the bill clearly states that individuals with “debilitating health conditions,” such as epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDs, Parkison’s disease, and Post-traumatic stress disorder, can get prescriptions from licensed dispensaries.
So, you can’t use marijuana for recreational purposes. Besides, the bill passed in the Senate allows people to consume medical marijuana through smoking and vaping. However, it depends on the doctor’s prescription. For instance, you can’t use these methods if the doctor does not allow them.
Bear in mind that doctors will evaluate the patient’s condition before prescribing medical marijuana for a specific disease. Similarly, they will reassess the patient’s condition once a year to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria.
The bill allows no more than ten suppliers to cultivate and sell medical cannabis throughout the state. The good news is that each supplier can run up to eight dispensaries, allowing more eligible patients to access safe medical cannabis.
Moreover, the bill requires establishing a “Compassionate Use Advisory Board” to perform thorough research and gain insights based on outcomes. The purpose is to add new medical conditions based on evidence of therapeutic benefits.
The government and concerned authorities will substantially try to create a “Medical Cannabis Production Commission” to streamline appropriate, efficient, and reliable cannabis supply to patients. Members of the Commission will develop and monitor licensing requirements and regulate the medical marijuana program by generating and providing funds.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes the creation of a “North Carolina Cannabis Research Program” to perform thorough research, develop goals/objectives, and streamline related processes, such as cannabis administration to patients.
Strict regulations govern the dispensaries’ locations. For example, they must maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from schools or churches and operate only between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Dispensaries must avoid using neon signs, pot leaf symbols, or humor in advertising, ensuring a medically focused, respectful approach that doesn’t appeal to minors. The purpose is to provide a reliable and safe provision of medical cannabis to people that meet the eligibility criteria.
Health and Socioeconomic Benefits of the Bill
Medical marijuana offers a safer alternative for pain relief, potentially reducing opioid dependence, addiction, and overdose-related deaths. Legalizing medical marijuana will help address the opioid crisis and improve patients’ quality of life.
In addition, it provides access to alternative treatment for patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and more. A research study published by the National Library of Medicine highlights that medical marijuana has shown promise in managing symptoms and improving patients’ wellbeing.
According to WBTV, It will lead to job opportunities and tax revenue, benefiting North Carolina’s economy. The revenue generated is an excellent way to streamline people’s lives by investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital public services.
North Carolina’s regulated medical marijuana system guarantees patients access to safe, quality-controlled products, eliminating the need to use the black market. Legalization allows for guidelines and standards, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis. Moreover, legalization fosters further studies on cannabis’s therapeutic effects, leading to a better understanding of its potential uses and benefits. Research may result in new treatment options and innovative patient delivery methods.
State legislatures across the US have experienced significant pressure to legalize or decriminalize using and possessing specified amounts of cannabis. There is a push for passing laws that permit the consumption of cannabis plants for prescribed medical purposes.
North Carolina’s Senate passing the bill for medical marijuana is an excellent, evidence-based, and informed decision to reduce opioid dependence and allow eligible people with chronic conditions to lower symptoms and improve their wellbeing. Contact us today for more information! Get pre registered for a North Carolina medical marijuana card today.