Minn. House to Vote on Medical Marijuana Bill
ST. PAUL (AP) — A proposal allowing patients with cancer and other debilitating illnesses to use marijuana has cleared its final legislative committee.
The 13-4 vote by the House Ways and Means Committee means the bill's next stop is the House floor.
The Senate approved the medical marijuana bill last year.
But Governor Tim Pawlenty remains opposed because police and sheriffs say the legislation would make it harder for them to enforce drug laws.
Those who oppose the bill say it would make marijuana more accessible to those who aren't sick.
Supporters include patients with cancer, AIDS and other conditions who say marijuana eases their pain when other drugs don't work.
A dozen states allow marijuana use for medical purposes, but the federal government doesn't recognize those laws. | 
