North Carolina’s state Senate on Thursday gave its initial approval to a restrictive, limited-license medical marijuana bill by an overwhelming vote of 35-10, moving that state a step closer to becoming the 40th in the country to legalize MMJ.
The strong support came despite concerns by activists and one of the senators that the state’s homegrown hemp growers, processors and retailers could be shut out and threatened financially by the medical cannabis industry.
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The measure, Senate Bill 711 or the North Carolina Compassionate Act, passed on a second reading.
The bill needs one more vote on a different day before moving to the state House of Representatives.
If the bill passes the House, it would go to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for his signature.
Under Senate Bill 711, a Medical Cannabis Production Commission would issue 10 medical marijuana “supplier” licenses that would be vertically integrated.
Each license holder
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