It is a shame, cannabis users have to hide in the shadows just for using something that has multiple health benefits, while you can buy alcohol and get intoxicated in public places.  Let me explain why I'm so passionate about cannabis.  For several years I was heavily addicted to hardcore opiates, and if it weren't for cannabis I would have definitely killed myself, I was out of control.  If you legalize cannabis in North Carolina you will see overdose rates drop significantly as well as crime rates.  Another positive note of legalizing cannabis would be all the patients that could benefit from it right now, from cancer patients to epilepsy all the way to anxiety and depression as well as countless other ailments cannabis can treat.  This would also hurt drug cartels, if we grow our own cannabis in this country there will be no need to import it across the border, putting a big dent in cartel pockets.  And also all the crime that comes with cartels distributing cannabis throughout the states.  So even if you don't smoke or use cannabis or know anybody that does you cannot deny the medical benefits and the benefits to society that it will bring.  Let's get something done that should have been done a long time ago.