Medical marijuana Coverage

NC lawmakers focus on budget goals for 2024 short session

North Carolina lawmakers will use the 2024 session to spread around a $1 billion budget surplus and possibly tackle contentious policy debates around immigration, marijuana, child care and changes to election laws ahead of the November election.

Marijuana, immigration, election laws: NC's 2024 legislative session not just about the budget

State lawmakers will use the 2024 session to spread around a $1 billion budget surplus and possibly tackle contentious policy debates around immigration, marijuana, child care and changes to election laws ahead of the November election.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

With $1 billion budget surplus, NC lawmakers return to Raleigh for 2024 session

State worker raises, Medicaid, child care, private school vouchers and more could be part of the 2024 budget debate as the short session kicks off April 24.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Medical cannabis dispensary opens in western NC

Saturday, April 20, 2024, marked a historic day for North Carolina as the first medical cannabis dispensary held its grand opening in Cherokee.

North Carolina medical marijuana sales begin at Cherokee store

CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) -- Medical marijuana can now be legally purchased in North Carolina with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opening its long-planned dispensary this weekend on tribal land.

Fayetteville Tech panel on medical marijuana lends ear to veterans struggling with PTSD

The debate over legalizing marijuana for medical use has raged across the country for years. There are service members who say the drug helps them deal with several combat-related illnesses, including PTSD.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

Some veterans feel medical marijuana helps with PTSD

A panel discussion at Fayetteville Technical Community College explored the merits of medical marijuana on Wednesday.

Woman's warning as marijuana use skyrockets in US

With almost half of the United State legalizing recreational marijuana, including the state of Ohio this election cycle, cannabis is as popular as ever. But for those using the substance to help treat anxiety -- it may not be as beneficial as people think. NBC News' Dr. Akshay Syal spoke to one woman who is cautioning others about the negative effects of marijuana use.

What NC lawmakers left on the table: Casinos, happy hour, medical marijuana

While casino gambling, loosening alcohol laws and medical marijuana all had some bipartisan support, each received strong pushback from religious conservative groups that divided the Republican majority.

Casinos, marijuana, happy hour: What NC lawmakers left behind this year

When lawmakers finished up their work for the year last week, some of the highest-profile proposals of the 2023 session were left on the table. Why they didn't pass, and what could happen next.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Half a million dollars in gambling, marijuana campaign donations flowed to lawmakers considering related votes

North Carolina lawmakers legalized mobile sports gambling this year. They're considering new casinos and legalization of the long-ostracized video poker industry.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Last-ditch push on medical marijuana legislation ensnares unrelated bill

Sen. Bill Rabon, a cancer survivor who says smoking illegal marijuana helped save his life, amended a House bill so that it can only become law if his medical marijuana bill becomes law.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Effort for medical marijuana legalization stalls in NC legislature

House Republicans discussed the bill Tuesday as part of a marathon closed-door caucus meeting to go over a number of bills still outstanding as lawmakers look to wrap up this legislative session.

Medical marijuana struggles to reach the finish line at NC legislature

There are indications that the measure may prove a bridge too far for social conservatives who've already been asked this session to swallow legislation they don't like.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Cancer survivor lawmaker makes emotional case for medical marijuana

A bill to legalize medical marijuana is closer to reality than it has ever been in North Carolina

Medical marijuana has a new spark of life in NC legislature

A top Republican state senator opened up to the public, and fellow lawmakers, about his belief that marijuana saved his life by allowing him to get through chemotherapy for cancer. He's sponsoring a bill to legalize medical marijuana, which just had its first state House hearing.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'Weed Day:' Why is 420 associated with marijuana? Your questions answered

Where did the concept of 420 originate, and why is April 20 the day chosen for the national celebration?

The Wrap: After all these years, Medicaid expansion moving

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team

Medical marijuana legalization bill advances to NC House

The state Senate gave final approval to a bill that would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to people with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease and other conditions.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Medical marijuana moves forward after first vote in North Carolina Senate

North Carolina senators voted to legalize medical marijuana Tuesday. Polls show it's highly popular, but Republican politicians have been hesitant to approve it until recently.

NC senators vote to legalize medical marijuana for cancer, PTSD and other uses

North Carolina senators voted to legalize medical marijuana Tuesday. Polls show it's highly popular, but some Republican politicians have been hesitant to approve it until recently.

Medical marijuana legalization bill passes NC Senate in bipartisan vote

North Carolina senators voted to legalize medical marijuana Tuesday. Polls show it's highly popular, but Republican politicians have been hesitant to approve it until recently.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'Timing is everything': Why GOP leaders are pushing pot and Medicaid, abortion limits and guns

The 2023 legislative session is shaping up to be one of the most important in years, with a record-breaking state budget and a newly empowered Republican majority.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Medical marijuana legalization passes first NC Senate committee, with some new changes

A bill to legalize medical marijuana passed the North Carolina Senate last year, but never the House. Now the GOP-supported bill is back, and advancing once more.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC Senate committee discusses medical marijuana bill

A bill to legalize medical marijuana passed the NC Senate last year, but it never got going in the House. Now, the Senate will try again.