In response to 2020 NC Family Policy Council question, "Should NC legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes?" Ballard responded NO

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 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.” 2015

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

Voted Aye on SB168-Expand Allowed Medical Uses/Cannabis Extract which adds to the proposed changes to GS 90-94.1 to also allow the possession or use of cannabis extract to treat a medical condition diagnosed by a neurologist for which currently available treatment options have been ineffective (was only expanded to treat autism, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, or Mitochondrial disease, in addition to the already allowable treatment of intractable epilepsy). Makes conforming modifications to the proposed changes to Article 5G, GS Chapter 90, Alternative Treatment Act, to include patients who have been diagnosed with a medical condition for which currently available treatment options have been ineffective. 2019

Did not respond to NC NORML's 2020 Questionnaire