From WCNC interview, 1/3/2019:

In North Carolina, Charlotte politician and state representative Kelly Alexander Jr. says the legalization of pot is not an issue of 'if' but 'when.'

"We're talking about the development of an industry," said the politician and local businessman. 

Alexander believes it'll happen relatively soon.

"If we don't do it this biennium, we're going to be very, very close," said Alexander of North Carolina's efforts to legalize medical marijuana. 

Alexander has been staunch in his stance, advocating for marijuana years before it hit the mainstream wire of political conversation about five years ago when Colorado legalized recreational marijuana.