The medicinal benefits of cannabis are scientific fact, yet the out-of-date stigma applied to marijuana continues to overshadow the political debate. Marijuana reform is long overdue in the state of North Carolina.

In April, I will introduce legislation which will permit the use of cannabis by the terminally ill. Living with a terminal illness can mean a life of constant discomfort or pain. Today, treating your symptoms in North Carolina means submitting to a schedule of medicines which are addictive, possibly affecting your cognitive ability. Over time, these medicines injure your body and further decrease your quality of life.

Cannabis is a benign plant with proven medical applications. The erroneous categorization of marijuana as a Schedule I drug leads directly to the misallocation and inappropriate use of our tax dollars.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING ACTION:

• The North Carolina General Assembly vote to legalize marijuana for the benefit of North Carolinians living with a terminal illness.