Holds office Governor
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told WXII news he did not think the time was right for the state to consider legalized recreational pot. (2/1/18)
According to the 2016 Nonpartisan Candidate Guide, on the question of whether or not to decriminalize or legalize marijuana, Cooper expressed the desire "to move slowly and study the impact in states that have legalized it." (10/31/16)
NC Governor looking into the legality of pardons for simple marijuana charges
"North Carolina should take steps to end this stigma," Cooper said. "I've also asked our lawyers to examine North Carolina law regarding simple possession of marijuana convictions and pardons to determine if there is action we can and should take."
Cooper said the task force, which he appointed by executive action in 2020, previously recommended the General Assembly to make this move but failed in the last session.
"Simple possession of a small amount of marijuana should not be a crime," Cooper said. "Law enforcement and the criminal justice system are under-resourced right now and they should be focused on stopping violent crime, drug trafficking, and other store outs to safe communities."
The Outer Banks Voice 7/12/2021:
An email from a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper seemed to position the governor as a clear supporter of legalizing medical marijuana.
“Studies have shown medical marijuana can offer many benefits to some who suffer from chronic conditions, particularly veterans, and the Governor is encouraged that North Carolina might join the 36 other states that have authorized it for use,” the statement said. “The Governor will review this bill as it moves through the legislative process.”
“Conviction of simple possession can mar people’s records for life and maybe even prevent them from getting a job.... North Carolina should take steps to end this stigma.” 10/8/2022
"...simple possession of a small amount of marijuana should not be a crime... Law enforcement and the criminal justice system are under-resourced right now, and they should be focused on stopping violent crime, drug trafficking and other threats to safe communities.” 8/10/2022
In 2020 Governor Cooper appointed the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice (TREC), which met for months to draft 125 recommendations aimed at making North Carolina’s criminal justice system fairer and safer. TREC submitted its recommendations including changes to the way our state treats marijuana. You can read the full TREC report here: https://ncdoj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TRECReportFinal_02262021.pdf.
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