Seeing Green: NC medical marijuana bill sparks controversy
Volume
28
/ Issue 44
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
iStock
The N.C. General Assembly may be fine-tuning Senate Bill 711, aka the Compassionate Care Act, a bill to legalize cannabis as a treatment option for certain medical conditions. But critics of the current bill say it would make entering the medical marijuana industry inaccessible to many in North Carolina.
arts
Local poet Eric Nelson discusses his latest collection
Xpress speaks with local, award-winning poet Eric Nelson about his latest collection, 'Horse Not Zebra.'Son’s posthumous album helps Asheville mother heal
Claudia Mason has made it her mission to share the music of her late son Brian Konopasek, aka Morse Code, with the world.Bryan Sutton debuts Blue Ridge Guitar Camp
Asheville native and Grammy Award-winning musician Bryan Sutton discusses his new guitar camp and concert series.Around Town: Asheville Junior Theater launches with ‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’
Asheville Junior Theater debuts with two performances of Matilda the Musical Jr.. Plus, a local filmmaker creates a music video, Asheville Guitar Bar spotlights Pink Floyd, and Black Mountain College…food
What’s new in food: AVL Honey Fest buzzes into Salvage Station
The inaugural AVL Honey Fest debuts at Salvage Station Sunday, June 5. Also: Livermush Festival returns to Marion; Well Played Board Game Café reopens; and more!living
N.C. may inch closer to legalizing medical marijuana
Supporters of medical marijuana and the local hemp industry want to see the state allow the use of cannabis as a treatment option for debilitating medical conditions. But there are…news
Q&A with Tiece Ruffin, educator and activist
Xpress speaks with Tiece Ruffin about her recent Rosa Parks Award, motherhood and her ongoing community advocacy and educational work.Buncombe’s Comprehensive Plan 2043 enters third phase
When complete, the document will be a nonbinding, advisory blueprint of where residents and county officials want the county to be in 2043 and will outline the goals, objectives and…Development roundup: Affordable housing complex proposed for Sweeten Creek Road
Fairhaven Summit Apartments would bring a 77-unit multifamily affordable housing complex to 7.68 acres off Sweeten Creek Road. All of the 12 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom…Merrimon ‘road diet’ to move forward after Council approval
The plan would reduce the section of the avenue between Midland Road and W.T. Weaver Boulevard from its current four-lane, two-way configuration to one lane in each direction, along with…opinion
Letter: Lifelong learning will fortify you
"Your mind is not simply a vessel to be filled by politicians and conventional news, but a fire to be kindled — not to merely survive — but to thrive…Letter: Applauding county pay increases
"I applaud the raise in pay. The cost of living is outrageous for all and especially those paying for those who do not need assistance, just lazy."Letter: Pay raises are not enough
"Should they have to work two-three jobs, get food assistance and other financial help, or should the county pay them the going rate? "Letter: Thumbs-up for county wage hike
"Hurrah for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners!"Letter: Civility crumbles with broken pipe
"Soon, the pipe I am standing on will need replacing. Hopefully, a renewed fiscal responsibility will come with it."Aesthetic anti-capitalism is hurting Asheville’s working class
"Residential construction hasn’t kept up with population growth, and the resulting scarcity pushes up rents and home prices. This means that the folks who make Asheville weird, its artists and…Letter: Ranked choice voting better represents voters
"Did you know that when RCV (ranked choice voting) is used, candidates can win only when they receive more than half the votes?"Squeeze play
Letter: Tax relief would also be welcomed
"This majority is struggling as much or more than Buncombe County employees, but instead of getting a raise, they get to collectively pay $5.1 million in taxes in addition to…Letter: Does county understand rental market?
"Every increase is helpful, but the people crunching the numbers must not be living the hourly experience, as they truly don't seem to understand what it costs to live, even…Safe passage