NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A new bill presented in Raleigh looks to legalize marijuana throughout North Carolina. House Bill 413 is authored by State Rep. Jordan Lopez, a Mecklenburg County Democrat.
“This is something that people are using every single day, regardless of its current status or legality and there are real benefits for folks who are dealing with chronic issues, pain, sickness, but then are real benefits also to our state revenue,” said Lopez.
The legislation would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess, use, and even grow cannabis within a private residence, up to a certain limit. Growers and stores would also be allowed to operate in North Carolina, with products regulated by the state. Local governments would regulate the sale and operations.
Lopez, however, acknowledged his bill has a long road to becoming law.
“I do believe that my being a Democrat will unfortunately negate this being able to get a fair hearing in the first place. But I do hope and would like to see even the medical marijuana bill move forward because then the conversation is being had,” he added.
Some business owners, like Michael Sims with Crowntown Cannabis are not sure this bill is what the industry needs. He told Queen City News the federal farm bill passed in 2018 allowed for the sale of lots of products.
“Legalization ultimately has taken place, these are the same products you can buy in any dispensary even in legalized states, it’s just things like concentration, we have the same milligram gummies, they’re just larger, the flower, once it’s lit, it’s pretty much the same thing,” said Sims.
Sims would prefer a bill that taxes cannabis at a lower rate and makes regulation clear and uniform throughout the state, “Making sure the labels are accurate of what’s in the packaging, making sure we’re not selling to anyone under the age of 21 years, and then also having to buy a license to sell these products and ultimately being regulated by the alcohol law enforcement here in North Carolina.”
The bill has been referred to a committee at the General Assembly in Raleigh but has not been placed on an agenda, nor has it received any votes. So far, the only co-sponsors are Democrats.
