💸 The Tape

A new push to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina is gaining attention after Rep. Aisha Dew (D) introduced HB 1011, a robust, 28-page proposal titled the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. The bill would allow qualified patients to access cannabis for a wide range of serious conditions—including cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and Parkinson’s disease—with oversight provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The bill marks a more detailed and expansive effort than a separate medical cannabis bill filed this week that would limit access to patients enrolled in registered research studies.

🔑 Key Features of HB 1011:

• Qualifying Conditions: Covers a broad list including chronic and terminal illnesses.

• Smoking and Vaping: Permitted with physician approval, but banned in public places, vehicles, schools, churches, and workplaces.

• Tax Exemption: Medical cannabis purchases would be exempt from state sales tax.

• Caregiver Access: Registered caregivers (21+) may purchase cannabis on behalf of patients.

• Production Oversight: A new Medical Cannabis Production Commission would regulate supply and issue licenses to up to 10 suppliers, each allowed up to 8 dispensaries statewide.

• Operating Hours: Dispensaries could only operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and be kept away from sensitive locations like schools, churches, and universities.

• Licensing Fees: $50,000 per supplier, plus $5,000 per location operated.

• Residency Requirement: Majority owners of cannabis businesses must show 2 years of North Carolina residency.

• Testing & Safety: DHHS would set standards for independent product testing and compliance.

• Advisory Board: A Compassionate Use Advisory Board could expand qualifying conditions.

• Statewide Database: Physicians would need to update a secure patient registry within 48 hours of certification changes.

• Research Focus: Establishes a Cannabis Research Program to study medical applications and best practices.

The bill is modeled closely on SB 3, a prior bipartisan effort from Sen. Bill Rabon (R) that passed the Senate last session but stalled in the House under an informal GOP caucus rule.

Now, with Senate President Phil Berger (R) signaling that the House must act first this year, HB 1011 could be the chamber’s best shot at breaking the deadlock.

🧪 Competing Proposal: HB 984

Meanwhile, Rep. Julia Greenfield (D) filed HB 984, a more limited bill that would restrict access to medical marijuana only to patients enrolled in formal research studies. It provides no specific condition list but leaves wide latitude to physicians to recommend cannabis if benefits are likely to outweigh the risks.

While HB 984 is being positioned as a cautious, science-first approach, its research-only framework may prove too narrow to meet demand or satisfy patient advocates.

⚖ Broader Cannabis Landscape in NC

HB 1011 joins a growing stack of cannabis reform bills in North Carolina this session:

• SB 350: Would legalize both medical and recreational marijuana.

• HB 413: Would legalize adult-use cannabis only.

Despite years of stalled progress, public support for medical cannabis remains strong, and growing bipartisan momentum could finally push North Carolina into the medical marijuana era—particularly if the House acts before the Senate steps back into the spotlight.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations, where it awaits its first hearing. Whether HB 1011 becomes law may depend on whether enough Republicans step up to support what advocates are calling a long-overdue policy rooted in compassion, science, and patient care.

📈 Dog Walkers.

Jushi Expands Ohio Footprint

What’s Going On Here: Jushi Holdings (CSE: JUSH | OTCQX: JUSHF) has announced the grand opening of its fifth Beyond Hello™ dispensary in Ohio, located at 1515 Lexington Ave in Mansfield, bringing its national store count to 41 locations. The dispensary opens Saturday, April 19, 2025, and offers both medical and adult-use cannabis.

Strategically positioned in Mansfield’s busy commercial corridor, the store features ample parking, online ordering, and a wide selection of cannabis products including flower, vapes, edibles, and concentrates. It’s the first licensed dispensary in the Mansfield area.

To celebrate, grand opening promotions will run through May 4. CEO Jim Cacioppo called the expansion key to Jushi’s growth in Ohio, where the company also cultivates and produces its in-house brands like The Bank, SeCHe, The Lab, and Tasteology.

Why This Matters: Ohio is seen as a market that MSO’s can tap for growth. Its great to see Jushi growing in the Buckeye state.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

Congress Highlights Biggest Developments for the Week in Cannabis | Trade to Black

What we will cover:

✅ Host Shadd Dales breaks down the biggest developments in cannabis for the week of April 14, a week that saw major momentum across cannabis reform, marijuana rescheduling efforts, and shifts in cannabis stocks.

Two new bipartisan reform bills were filed in Congress, including the STATES 2.0 Act—aimed at ending federal prohibition and empowering states to lead the charge. While optimism is high, the cannabis industry remains cautiously hopeful as past efforts have struggled in Washington.

In Florida, Curaleaf made headlines by converting one of its dispensaries into a Farm Bill-compliant hemp shop, signaling a strategic pivot toward CBD and compliant THC products. Meanwhile, Trulieve doubled down on its support for adult-use marijuana legalization in 2026, investing nearly $20 million into the campaign.

On the research front, a groundbreaking study revealed overwhelming scientific support for medical cannabis in cancer care—fueling further calls for marijuana rescheduling.