N.C. Medical Marijuana Bill Dead - but the Debate Rages On

If you knew someone suffering from glaucoma, arthritis or a debilitating muscular disease, you would want them to have medicine best suited to relieve their symptoms, right? The North Carolina legislature agrees - so long as that medicine isn't marijuana.

North Carolina's first medical marijuana bill was introduced in the legislature in early 2010, entitled House Bill 1380. HB 1380 ultimately failed, but a revised version called House Bill 577 reintroduced the medical marijuana debate earlier this year. HB 577, much like its predecessor, did not make it to the governor's desk, but the political dispute surrounding this issue remains heated and vibrant.

Battle Continues As Complaint Is Filed

This political angst culminated in the North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network filing a legislative complaint. The complaint alleges, among other things, political deception, making false statements and pressuring the N.C. Nurses Association to stop publically supporting medical marijuana. This complaint is still pending.

Arguments for and Against Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana

Proponents and their opposition are both very passionate about legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, and both present valid arguments supporting their claims.

Those who want medical marijuana legalized argue it can be a safe and valuable treatment for the symptoms of cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, or even general muscle or joint pain.

Opponents of medical marijuana, however, do not believe its use is in the best interests of larger communities. WRAL.com reports that Anne Doolen, executive director of the Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina, said there will be a percentage of the population who will develop an addiction to marijuana, so its general availability increases risks for those individuals.

They go on to argue that marijuana lacks FDA approval, interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and that various legal FDA approved drugs make its use unnecessary.

Possession In Any Form Is Still a Crime

Regardless of your stance on this issue, possession of marijuana is still considered a drug crime, whether you contend you are using it for medicinal purposes or not. Seeing as HB 577 did not become law, if you discover yourself charged with a drug crime, be sure to locate an appropriate criminal defense lawyer to help defend your rights.