North Carolina’s medical marijuana bill has been largely dormant since passing the state Senate in early March. But members of the state House showed signs Tuesday that they were becoming more comfortable with the Compassionate Care Act.
The bipartisan bill would allow doctors to authorize cannabis in treating more than a dozen debilitating medical condition including cancer, AIDS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A written certification from the doctor would specify the amount and dosage of the cannabis or cannabis-infused product, and the period of time for which the certification is valid.
Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick), the bill’s lead sponsor, said he largely credits marijuana with helping him survive aggressive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with stage three colon cancer.
When his oncologist first recommended pot, Rabon took an unusual approach.
“I talked to my chief of police. I talked to my sheriff. I told them what was going on. I said, I’m going to have to buy drugs illegally to stay alive,” Sen. Rabon testified.
“I never bought the first drug. It appeared in my mailbox on an as needed basis.”
Rabon said he never missed a single day of work but was often so nauseated from the chemotherapy he would get sick behind his office building. At the end of each day, he would drive home and take about three puffs from a joint to allow himself some relief.
“And I did…
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