North Carolina senators have filed a new bill, SB 1027, that could allow voters to decide on the legalization of cannabis for both personal and medical use at the ballot box this November. The legislation, introduced by Senators Kandie Smith (D), Caleb Theodros (D), Paul Lowe Jr. (D), and Joyce Waddell (D), seeks to present two distinct cannabis questions to the state’s electorate. This initiative represents a direct appeal to voters after what sponsors describe as a decade of legislative inaction on Marijuana Moment reported.
Proposed Ballot Questions for North Carolina Medical Cannabis
If SB 1027 is approved by the General Assembly, voters would encounter two separate constitutional amendment questions on the November 3 ballot. The first proposed amendment would add a new section to the state Constitution, stating: “Section 39. Right to possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. The possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use shall not be a criminal offense in this State. The General Assembly shall enact general laws governing the possession of limited amounts of cannabis for personal use consistent with this section.”
The second question would propose: “Section 39. Right to medical use of cannabis. The possession of limited amounts of cannabis for medical use by patients with qualifying conditions shall not be a criminal offense in this State. The General Assembly shall enact general laws governing the possession of cannabis for medical use consistent with this section.” As Ganjapreneur noted, if voters approve these measures, the General Assembly would then be mandated to establish the legal frameworks for both programs, as the proposals themselves do not detail administrative specifics.
Legislative History and Federal Context
The introduction of SB 1027 follows a history of stalled medical cannabis legislation in North Carolina. The state Senate has previously passed medical cannabis bills in multiple sessions, only for them to fail in the House of Representatives. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) recently indicated that lawmakers might reconsider medical cannabis legalization more seriously, particularly following the Trump administration’s move to reschedule cannabis at the federal level. Berger stated that the Senate caucus would discuss whether to pursue the matter further.
Advisory Council Recommendations and Regulatory Framework
Weeks prior to the filing of SB 1027, the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, convened by Governor Josh Stein (D) last year, issued an interim report in April. This report recommended that the state transition from a criminalization-based approach to cannabis towards a system of
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
