Momentum continues to build in the push to legalize cannabis for treatment of some medical conditions, after a House committee gave initial approval last week.
Supporters of the measure point to strong grassroots support for the legal use of medical cannabis for people battling chronic pain and certain debilitating medical conditions.
Medical marijuana is already legal in 33 states.
Smoking medical cannabis would not be permitted under the proposed bill.
Consumption could take place through such forms as pills and oils. State regulators would decide whether to allow chocolate or cookies containing THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high.
Under the bill, a regulatory board would determine what conditions would qualify for doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients. The board would consist of eight doctors, four public advocates and a pharmacist. The bill also would set up a regulatory process allowing at least 25 dispensaries statewide to fill doctors’ prescriptions for medical marijuana.
The House could vote on the measure as early as today or tomorrow.
