Hot on the heels of the Texas Democratic Party’s endorsement of marijuana decriminalization, the North Carolina Democratic Party endorsed two resolutions in support of marijuana law reform of their own. On Saturday, June 16th, the party held their state convention in Raleigh, NC. During this meeting they passed two reform minded resolutions, one calling for the legalization of medical marijuana and one for the industrial cultivation of hemp. The official text of the resolutions are as follows:
51. IN SUPPORT OF LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN NORTH CAROLINA (11TH CD)
WHEREAS, “Medical Marijuana” has been demonstrated to be an effective drug for treatment of certain human ailments; and
WHEREAS, Current North Carolina law denies doctors the right to treat patients by prescribing
Medical Marijuana; and
WHEREAS, Many states currently allow doctors to prescribe Medical Marijuana, a policy resulting in relief from pain and suffering for their patients; and
WHEREAS, Many other treatments legally prescribed by doctors are known to be extremely dangerous when misused.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the State of North Carolina grant doctors the right to prescribe Medical Marijuana in the same way they prescribe other drugs; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That the State of North Carolina legalize the use of Medical Marijuana.52. IN SUPPORT OF THE RENEWAL OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS AN AGRICULTURAL CROP IN NORTH CAROLINA (11TH CD)
WHEREAS, in 2006, the N.C. State Legislature passed a Bill (House 1723/Senate 1572) to create an independent commission to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, among other studies, but there has never been any report or follow through to the study, and
WHEREAS, American companies are forced to import millions of dollar’s worth of hemp seed and fiber products annually from Canada, Europe, and China, thereby effectively denying American farmers an opportunity to compete and share in the profits; and
WHEREAS, nutritious hemp foods can be found in grocery stores nationwide and strong durable hemp fibers can be found in the interior parts of millions of American cars; and
WHEREAS, buildings are being constructed using hemp and lime mixture, thereby sequestering carbon; and
WHEREAS, retail sales of hemp products in this country are estimated to be over $400 million annually; and
WHEREAS, industrial hemp is a high-value low input crop that is not genetically modified, requires little or no pesticides, can be dry land farmed, and uses less fertilizer than wheat and corn; and
WHEREAS, the reluctance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to permit industrial hemp farming is denying agricultural producers in this country the ability to benefit from a high value, low-input crop, which can provide significant economic benefits to producers and manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has the authority under the Controlled Substances Act to allow this state to regulate industrial hemp farming under existing laws and without requiring individual federal applications and licenses.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That N.C. Democratic Party urge legislators to recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity; to define industrial hemp in Federal law as non-psychoactive and genetically identifiable species of the genus Cannabis; to acknowledge that allowing and encouraging farmers to produce industrial hemp will improve the balance of trade by promoting domestic sources of industrial hemp; and to assist United States producers by removing barriers to State regulation of the commercial production of industrial hemp; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we urge the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to allow the State to regulate industrial hemp farming under existing state laws and regulations, or those to be passed, without requiring federal applications, licenses, or fees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State shall forward copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, the Administrator of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, and to each member of the state’s Congressional Delegation.
When politicians long considered opposed to marijuana law reform, such as those in Texas and North Carolina, openly endorse rational marijuana policy measures, you have to ask yourself: Just how many more dominos need to fall before our federal politicians finally wake up and end our country’s war on cannabis consumers? At lest one thing is certain, however, and that is all the momentum is behind reform and these recent victories for sensible marijuana laws are only just the beginning.
Perhaps these are trial balloons for Mr O. Rahm is his best friend, Rahm likely talked to MR O before this move. This looks like a coordinated rollout before Mr O makes his move or statement.
I have wondered for many months now how long it would take for Democrats to begin this. I am glad it wasnt false election lies just to get a vote.
WE WIN.
Anyone know when Doctors will be able to put this into effect?
[Paul Armentano responds: To clarify, these measures are resolutions only. This is not the equivalent of enacting legislation. This is simply a symbolic statement of where this particular party stands on these issues.
Medicinal cannabis legislation has been introduced in North Carolina but has yet to be heard by lawmakers. See:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=39941501.%5D
Amazing, yet expected outcomes.
I’m so glad I’m moving to NC in a few weeks!!!!!
O great, natural fibers and paper from trees that don’t require chemicals to break down cellulose and end up in the rivers then the drinking water. O HELL NO not a plant that scrubs 5X more carbon per acre then the forest and grows almost over night. Dupont, Sierra Pacific, Dow Chemical, big Pharma, the private for profit prison industry, Exxxon, mobile fossil fuels and Monsanto will have the last say in this. We are not a democracy or a country, Their vote is much more important then ours.
Did any one tell you Hemp is smelly and “Hemp fumes” can turn any one into a raving mad person?
Its not billion like cannabis this debate is over ~TRILLIONS~ of dollars. God forbid we build affordable homes and infrastructure, we need our people as much of a slave mentality as possible.
if anyone read my comment in the texas article yesterday, you will see now that my head has exploded and am officially blown away…
just one more thing.
it will be a bright and sunshiny day when all of these terrible tobacco plants around here are replaced with beautiful acres of hemp!
Love those whereases.
Which stat will be the next to follow? This is only Tuesday.
Glad to see this progress in my home state. Now if only we could give equal rights to the LGBT community this state might not turn out to be as backward as the rest of the US thinks we are.
All I know is weed is the bomb and all this sounds great!
Wow. NC is an Appalachian state, too. If it can happen there, it can happen to their neighbor to the north in TN as well. This is awesome! And hemp isn’t just good for making durable clothes and healthy food. The seeds can, and I think will, be used to make cheap fuel. $1 gallon of gas, here we come!
Like most smokers I am sorely disappointed in Obamas ramping up of the WOD. We all feel frustrated that a President we’d hoped would speak for us turned out to be as bad or worse than the other side.
I do not know if this is Obama’s doing or if he is being forced by special interests but I do know that the Democrats are extremely vulnerable on this issue. A large percent of Obamas
support in 2008 were (are) smokers. I do not think they know just how vulnerable they are. Maybe they can be taught to learn.
Yahoo has always allowed rabid anti war on drugs comments.
I have made many of them. I had no trouble with censorship until I began making posts equating the Presidents drug policies with fascism. Many of my posts drew many likes and lots of replies. Yahoo is known to support the Democratic party. I got censored because I had struck a nerve.
The Democratic honchos do not really mind right wingers calling Obama a fascist but it seems they get really annoyed when that same criticism comes from the left. (Thats when they started censoring me). When it comes from the right they can dismiss it is right wing BS, but when it comes from those who they assume side with them, it hurts, because there is more than a grain of truth to it.
I can think of no action which would be funnier and possibly make them think twice than to have someone dressed as Hitler picket the WH or other centers of power with a sign saying “I Love the War on Drugs”. Better yet Hitler and some
SS guys with comparable signs. This would surely draw press attention and possibly make the big time news. I’d do it in a minute if I was anywhere near there.
The point is that if Obama is called a fascist, intelligently, publicly, and truthfully it WILL strike a nerve, both with the party honchos and with the people.
I wish I could donate at this time. I have in the past but am just too broke.
yeah get that past the republicans in nc…good luck
On Friday June 15th, 2012 Senator Constance Johnson has submitted a request for an Interim Study on Medical Marijuana in the Oklahoma State Senate. She is requesting that people call or email their state senators to support it. Please help me get the word out.
well if it passes i am going to be ur local caregiver!
They say this yet here in NC they have ignored 3 types of bills for medical marijuana in the course of about at least 7 years.
It’s great that Democrats in Texas and North Carolina are doing this, but both these states are solidly Republican. It doesn’t really matter what the party out of power wants. It’s a nice gesture though.
So how much longer before i can start getting med mary?
marijuana make a better fuel, paper, and medicine. Thats 3 of the big companies that don’t want to see it become legal. Thats probably why every president only tried herb one time in there life and didnt like it.
I would hate against it too if you paid me enough and I would buy some herb with that money too.
Wake me up when it’s really legal.
MJ is great medicine for so many problems. That is the problem. Pharmaceutical companies are fighting against I’m sure. Who would need sleeping pills, nausua meds, addictive narcotics for pain, etc. etc. Mexican drug dealers would also be out of loads of money. Maybe they are contributing to those politicians trying to keep illegal.
If we encounter a politician against med. marijuana, maybe we should ask him if he gets contributions from the cardel.
It has been legal in New Jersey for a while.. the citizens still can’t get medical marijuana. They still don’t have dispensaries. It has been 2 years. So sad Once a law passes it should be passed, and enacted. NC is pretty much solely republican I mean look at the gay marriage ban that just passed? If people think marijuana will be legalized they will have to wait another 10 – 20 years for NC to stop being so Amish. Look at what alcohol and tobacco do to you in regards to marijuana.. there is no comparison. I hope it passes. .all we can all do is hope.
OK folks its time to make a stand.
The only thing that can get things done is money and votes. Most of us have voting rights, some have money. If ya have some money to spare – contribute to Normal or a like organization and/or email this message to your elected officials and stand firm. Also send to like minded friends and family:
To the President, Members of the US Congress, State and local elected officials:
Criminal marijuana prohibition is a failure. Over 20 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana offenses since 1965 with over 800,000 arrests in 2010 and each year the number increases. The problem is getting worse – not because of the benign plant, but because of the obsolete laws. The time has come to amend criminal prohibition and replace it with a system of legalization, taxation, regulation, and education.
I can no longer vote for elected officials that support the the current laws. I have decided not to vote for any politician that does not publicly support the removal of all penalties for the private possession and endorse responsible use of marijuana by adults, including cultivation for personal use, and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts.
Signed
Voting Citizen
& Member of the Movement
I AM REALLY ABOUT TO BUST AT THE SEEM,S BUT REALLY HOPE AND PRAY THAT IT HAPPEN,S AS THEY SAY IT WILL . BECAUSE IF YOU ARE LIKE ME WITH CRONIC PAIN IT WOULD REALLY HELP ME AND OTHER,S LIKE ME PLEASE PASS IT !!! THE RUGMASTER !!!
North Carolina has RJ Reynolds, which in 2003 laid off 40% of its workers. Just recently in February 2012, another round of lay offs were announced. The impact is more than manufacturing as a number of small farmers in NC are impacted as people continue to use tobacco less. The local tobacco farmer down the street from me I’ve noticed didn’t even bother to plant tobacco this year. Most people don’t realize just how toxic tobacco really is. Unless a person that harvests tobacco is wearing protective clothing, they can suffer from tobacco poisoning, because it can enter your skin.
With the decline in the long standing tobacco farming and manufacturing industries, a void has been created over the past couple of decades in NC. The Democrats are on the right side of the issue, while the Republicans have been and continue to be hijacked by a bunch of close minded religious conservatives who want to make their morality the law. But don’t count NC out, remember this is the state that invented NASCAR. All those NC bootleggers with their high performance vehicles designed to outrace the police cars decided to have a race after prohibition ended. While there are left over dry laws in NC, alcohol is legal, regulated and taxed. The Republicans in North Carolina had better get on board quick with overturning the prohibition of hemp and cannabis.
What is the chance of this resolution even making it into legislation. Anybody know cause I am ready.
[Paul Armentano responds: Resolutions from Party platforms don’t become law; legislation becomes law. You can contact your state lawmakers in favor of pending legislation to reform North Carolina’s marijuana laws here:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/.%5D
I have lived in north Carolina for 3 years and i have to admit… back home in California people regard this state as being the “East Coast” California and i have had to tell them the truth. The laws in North Carolina for possession of any amount of marijuana is ridiculous. I mean really now. Do you know how many laughs I got when i told friends and family back home that you go to jail, have to do probation, drug counceling and community service for a small amount of pot? I have grown marijuana indoors since i have lived on my own and my family have grown it my entire life and i havent let the outdated laws of this state stop me from growing my plants and family tradition. A lot of people from California grow Pot… a lot of people from here bootleg wines and liquor. Who’s got the safest product? I believe that one day North Carolina will one day be one of the top marijuana producing states with the wonderful weather here and long seasons that allow my outdoor crops reach amazing yields. But that time isnt here yet and the way its looking… its gonna be awhile longer.
For Ashe, laws have changed in N.C. Don’t go to jail for small amount now. http://norml.org/laws/penalties/item/north-carolina-penalties-2
It took NC ten years to get lottery tickets. I mean they dont even have liquor stores its an abc store. I really dont believe its gonna happen I think this will be one of the last states to get it. I hope im more than wrong.
almost all gov already muder many patient legalize medical cannabis many yers ago. why gov tried control us ? yes we knew gov wants to muder them anyway
I am an individual that in the last four years went from an active 48 year old with anxiety issues to a 52 year old individual that survived Diverticulitus and a burst in my colon and live with cronic pain on a daily bases. I now have to work from home, never go out and live in HELL. I had just went on the internet to try to figure out a legal way I could receive cannabis in a manner that would not jeopardize my Wife and I. The reason why is the list of medications I am currently on. Hydrocodone 7.5 4 times daily, Oxicontin 10mg twice daily, Zanax 1 mg 4 times daily and as of yesterday a doctor added cyclobenzaprine 5mg once a day and effexor once a day. With the stomach surgeries (4total)and all these medications I have developed eating disorders and cannot get enough nutrition. However, pain is relieved but rarely non existant.
The point I am trying to make is, I have a strong mind with a kind sole and I need a chance to live again and it is not right that because of the geological area that I currently live in is going to allow my destruction of body and mind, and by the way not be here to see my five grandchildren and counting to grow up without giving me the chance to see if it does what everyone claim.
I do have close family living in California and I am trying to see if their is a way of appointing a caretaker and go to california and see a doctor. The problem still exist that I live in North Carolina.
JUST DON”T GET IT!!!!!!
IT IS TIME 4 NC TO GET WITH THE PROGRAM & LEGALIZE MARIJUANA U GOT DOCTERS GIVING A LOT WORSE
I have severe nerve damage in my shoulder, spinal arthritis, several compressed and ruptured disk, PTSD from Vietnam, degenerative bone disease, and 30% loss of cartilage in most of my joints. I can get anything. I’ve been on meds for 23 years with 8 years of oxycodone. Two weeks ago i went to 100mg/day on oxycondone with medical recommendation that I go to oxycotin. I told my wife that I can either dig the hole deeper and die in detox or stop now with the opiates. It’s hell. Research has shown that marijuana would aide me for all my issues without the risk of addiction or damage of the legal drugs. Unfortunately, I understand the one of our NC reps, perhaps Paul Stam, is determined the medical marijuana will never leave committee for a vote. He has been successful at preventing the bill from leaving committee. Big Phara, law enforcement, and drug cartels all have big money on the line to keep marijuana illegal. That’s three big piles of money going to the politicians. Stam will never allow the bill to leave committee.
what the hell is taking so long
“Wake me up when it’s legal” god that’s the truth this world is too stressful for the continuation of lies about a plant. My home state would greatly benefit from legalization . Too bad the senators and reps don’t have the back bone to go federal with these issues. Make it happen. Lets start a movement people.. The west coast is ahead. again…
Everyone do your part. Visit every petition site you can. Join Norml, join the NC Cannabis patient clubs – all of them. Sign every petition you can. Find out your local rep / senator at the state level. Write them your letters of pain and suffering – don’t hold back. If you want it, you need to work for it its not coming here without a fight.
I don’t use it, but I know its helped millions with pain and I would rather have my children use it rather than booze or tobacco. Do your part – fight for it. I have.
whats going on know with the laws?
YOU DO GO TO JAIL FOR A JOINT. I WENT ON SEPT. 27TH 2012 FOR A JOINT. tHANKS NC. YOUR GREATEST STATE EVER.
NC SUX! WENT TO JAAIL FOR A JOINT 2 MNTHS AGO.jEN, YOU SHOULD CHECK UP ON LAWS.
N.C can get on board now, or will be the poorest state in the us after all others adopt these laws. Then most will leave to live comfortably in other states.We have liquor, tobacco, hand guns but pots illegal. Does this make sense?
This is fresh on the minds of legislators. Call the Chair of the Rules Committee, Rep. Tim Moore. His no is 919.733.4838.
Ask him to refer to health committee.