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Rep Pat McElraft

shows hemp flowers in a jar

Cannabis confusion pushes states to ban smokable hemp

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Cannabis confusion pushes states to ban smokable hemp - North Carolina Health News

Lawmakers came and left Raleigh this week to return in April, leaving many issues unresolved. One of the big questions is what to do about smokable hemp, which some law enforcement worry looks too much like marijuana.

By Sophie Quinton Stateline Hemp plants can be made into anything from rope and insulation to granola. But today, most U.S. hemp farmers are growing hemp to produce cannabinoids, such as CBD — which means they’re growing plants that look like marijuana, smell like marijuana and, increasingly, are rolled into joints and smoked like marijuana. […]

Shows text supporting Medicaid expansion that reads: The Graham County Commissioners strongly give their full support to Representative Kevin Corbin for House Bill 655... The Graham County Board of Commissioners understand that the majority of uninsured inividuals in North Carolina are employed, but do not make enough money to afford health insurance coverage."

Business leaders, conservatives across state warm to Medicaid expansion

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Business leaders, conservatives across state warm to Medicaid expansion - North Carolina Health News

In private, and increasingly in public, some are making their support for House Bill 655, which would allow for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, in defiance of the state party leaders.

By Rose Hoban Dale Wiggins thinks it’s time. Actually, he thinks it’s past due. Wiggins, a retired businessman, is the head of the Graham County Board of Commissioners, which recently sent a resolution of support for expanding the state’s Medicaid program to legislative leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper. The unanimous resolution, signed by four Republicans […]

shows a woman having a pregnancy ultrasound

Abortion survivors bill heads to Gov. Cooper’s desk — UPDATED

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Abortion survivors bill heads to Gov. Cooper’s desk — UPDATED - North Carolina Health News

The bill would criminalize physicians who fail to provide life-saving care to fetuses born after surviving a botched abortion procedure.

By Rose Hoban Legislators approved final passage of a bill Tuesday evening that would criminalize physicians who fail to provide life-saving care to fetuses that survive an unsuccessful abortion procedure and are subsequently born alive. Despite objections from Democrats, the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act now goes to Gov. Roy Cooper for his signature […]

a man stands at a podium, holding a model of a molecule, and gestures to show he's "thinking"

Utility, UNCW Stand By GenX Contaminant Reports

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Utility, UNCW Stand By GenX Contaminant Reports - North Carolina Health News

Scientists from the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority say while levels of GenX are now under control, there are other chemicals in the river. They're working with filtration systems to remediate the problems for people downstream of the Chemours plant near Fayetteville that's released chemicals into the water.

By Kirk Ross Coastal Review Online Last year, the North Carolina General Assembly backed a locally focused strategy in response to revelations about GenX in Wilmington’s water supply. Last week, several members who supported the plan told researchers from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and officials with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority they […]

Duke Energy's Asheville Steam Electric Generating Plant coal ash ponds. The DEQ has ranked the ponds as risk.

Legislature Passes New Coal Ash Bill Over McCrory’s Objections

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Legislature Passes New Coal Ash Bill Over McCrory’s Objections - North Carolina Health News

A bill passed by both chambers of the legislature Tuesday would get new water to residents living near coal ash pits. Gov. Pat McCrory has threatened a veto. By Catherine Clabby State lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday requiring Duke Energy to provide new, permanent drinking water to hundreds of properties located within half a mile of […]

Image courtesy Andrew Malone, flickr creative commons

Fetal Tissue Bill on Its Way to McCrory

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Fetal Tissue Bill on Its Way to McCrory - North Carolina Health News

A bill to place further restrictions on the activities of Planned Parenthood in North Carolina made its way quickly through the legislative process. By Rose Hoban A late-entry bill aimed at banning the practice of collecting fetal tissue after abortions is on its way to Gov. Pat McCrory Monday after a contentious and, at times, […]

Hemp oil advocates celebrate their bill's victory at the General Assembly.

Legislators Respond to Plea on Hemp Oil Bill

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Legislators Respond to Plea on Hemp Oil Bill - North Carolina Health News

A bill to make it possible for the families of children with epilepsy to get an experimental hemp extract is near final passage in the General Assembly. By Jasmin Singh Tears fell from Sherena Ward’s eyes as a Senate committee pushed North Carolina one step closer to the legalization of hemp oil for her daughter […]

Steve Carlin holding his daughter Zora, along with his daughter Eva and wife Dawn.

Epileptic Children Find Friends in NC House

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Epileptic Children Find Friends in NC House - North Carolina Health News

A bill allowing the use of hemp oil for children with severe seizures makes its way through the General Assembly’s House of Representatives. By Jasmin Singh Stephen Carlin said he was overjoyed when the North Carolina House of Representatives applauded and congratulated families waiting for the legalization of hemp oil for their children suffering from […]

hand with pills

Cancer Drug Parity Bill Passes House

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Cancer Drug Parity Bill Passes House - North Carolina Health News

After long discussions in committee and on the floor of the House of Representatives, a bill to lower the cost of oral cancer medications gets a vote. By Rose Hoban A bill aimed at reducing the cost burden for people with cancer who take oral medications made it through a vote on the floor of […]