Local

Local candidate says he's in politics to broaden access to medical marijuana

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — He's been convicted of growing pot under his house, and now Kirk Sherrill said he's running for the state House of Representatives.

"I made a mistake," Sherrill said. "I'll never do anything like that again and I will never break the law again."

Arrested in 2007 and convicted in 2008, Sherrill is spending his days now handing out business cards stating that he's running for the state house seat representing Iredell County. Those cards and some of his yards signs feature cannabis leaves.

"I would never be out here if I never got in trouble," Sherrill said. "So, the question of 'Am I in politics because of this?' is a yes."

Sherrill said he's in politics -- and even submitted a bill to the House of Representatives -- to broaden access to medical marijuana. He said it helped him with foot pain and has multiple uses for veterans, who have access to the drugs in other states but not in North Carolina.

Voters Eyewitness News spoke to said they would feel uncomfortable backing an ex-convict, regardless of his current stance on marijuana.

Sherrill faces off against Frank Mitchell and Rena Turner in the Republican primary for the 84th District on May 8.