In response to 2020 NC Family Policy Council’s question, "Should NC legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes?" Pittman answered NO with the note "If shown valid evidence, I might consider limited and tightly controlled use, but I doubt it can be proven safe, effective or necessary."
F Public opposition to significant marijuana law reform (adult use, medical, and/or decriminalization) but may have sponsored and/or voted in favor of CBD/Hemp specific bills.
Voted Aye on HB1220-Hope 4 Haley and Friends which proposed a pilot study program and registry to investigate the safety and efficacy of hemp extract in the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
Neurologists at UNC-Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, Wake Forest University and Duke University were encouraged to conduct studies and provide hemp extract of less than 0.3% THC by weight and at least 10% cannabidiol by weight to patients with intractable epilepsy who enrolled in those studies. 2014
Voted Aye on HB766-Amend CBD Oil Statute which proposed that board certified neurologists may recommend hemp extract containing less than 0.9% THC by weight and at least 5% cannabidiol by weight to patients with intractable epilepsy without enrolling in pilot studies, and that DHHS set up a database of patients, caregivers and neurologists rather than a registry. 2015
Voted Aye on SB313-Industrial Hemp which proposed the development of an industrial hemp industry in the State in order to expand employment, promote economic activity, and provide opportunities to small farmers for an environmentally sustainable and profitable use of crop lands that might otherwise be lost to agricultural production; to establish an agricultural pilot program for the cultivation of industrial hemp in the State, to provide for reporting on the program by growers and processors for agricultural or other research, and to pursue any federal permits or waivers necessary to allow industrial hemp to be grown in the State. 2015
Voted Aye on HB992/SB77-Amend Industrial Hemp Definition which proposed modifications in language of SL2015-299, increased number of Commissioners from 5 to 9, proposed that the Commission will issue licenses for “research” to include “the growth, cultivation, and marketing of industrial hemp.” 2016
Voted Aye on SB124-LEO Managed CBD Oil Drop Box which proposed that any individual who possesses or uses hemp extract, as defined under this section, shall dispose of all residual oil from the extract at a secure collection box managed by a law enforcement agency, and that any neurologist who approves of dispensing hemp extract to a registered caregiver, shall inform the registered caregiver that disposal must be done at a secure collection box. 2018
Did not respond to NC NORML's 2020 Questionnaire