Each state has to face the question of whether or not it maintains the decades-long restriction on marijuana. Many states have made the shift to medical marijuana. Some have fully legalized adult use and possession up to a certain amount.
North Carolina remains one of the holdouts, but that may change over the next few voting cycles.
Treatment for those in need
Provisions in a bill that the North Carolina Senate recently passed, according to Marijuana Moment, include patient allowance for debilitating medical conditions. These medical conditions include cancer, Parkinson’s or HIV/AIDS. Advocates are confident that the bill can make it through the Senate’s final provisional vote before it heads to the House.
Along with these allowances, the bill would allow up to 10 medical marijuana suppliers to cultivate and sell cannabis. North Carolina would create a commission to ensure that patients have an adequate supply while also regulating the distribution from seed to sale.
Consequences for current possession
It is uncertain if or when this bill will pass all its hurdles. In the meantime, it is important to understand the current laws and penalties for marijuana in North Carolina.
Possession of up to half an ounce is a decriminalized misdemeanor with a $200 fine. Any more than that is subject to months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine if convicted for possession of up to 10 pounds. Over that is a trafficking offense with heftier consequences.
These charges threaten futures and those facing them may wish to know more about their situation and their options for a defense.