Medical marijuana bill clears Senate Judiciary committee for second time | Govt-and-politics

“Once we have determined how many people actually have the conditions stated in the invoice, we can determine costs and income.”

Law sponsors and other Senators who support SB711 have said it represents what Senator Wally Nickel, D-Wake, called “the most conservative and restrictive medical marijuana law in the country.”

There are 36 states that allow some form of medical marijuana.

“This bill is closely tailored to provide medical marijuana to people with legitimate medical needs,” Nickel said.

As the main reason for legalization, the bill states: “Modern medical research has shown that cannabis and cannabinoid compounds are effective in relieving pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with several debilitating diseases.”

In contrast to previous committee discussions, no one from the public spoke out against the bill on Tuesday.

Previously, proponents of the legislation expressed their main concerns that medical use could lead to recreational use.

Rev. Mark Creech of the Christian Action League said Wednesday that if medical marijuana is allowed, it should be taxed similar to tobacco and alcohol, rather than a prescription drug.