Lawmakers Pass Measure Allowing Medical Marijuana

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - One vote is down and there's one more to go for a bill legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Minnesota Senate voted 46-16 on Friday for a compromise plan announced a day earlier. It goes to the House floor next for a vote later in the evening. Gov. Mark Dayton said on Thursday he would sign the measure.

Minnesota's legislation explicitly bans smoking the drug. It also prohibits patient access to plant material. Instead, the drug would be available in oil, pill and vapor form.

Medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma and AIDS qualify for treatment. A physician assistant or advanced-practice registered nurse would certify a patient suffered from a qualifying illness.

Twenty-one other states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana.