H.B. 84, a bill that would permit medicinal marijuana use for medicinal purposes, has been introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Currently eighteen other states have laws on the books which would permit marijuana use if it was prescribed by a doctor. Various studies were cited by the representatives illustrating that marijuana is effective for pain relief in various serious ailments. Further, the representatives cited a poll of North Carolina residents in which 60 percent of residents approved the use of medicinal marijuana in the state.
Research studies have shown benefits of marijuana use for those with illnesses such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. Medicinal marijuana has also been supported by the American Medical Association who have recommended that the government reclassify the drug. Also, in addition to its medicinal uses, representatives believe that passing this bill would reduce drug possession offenses because those who are using the drug for pain relief will be able to obtain it legally.
