Committee, Stenehjem: “No” to Medical Marijuana Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota House committee is not endorsing a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana in the state.

The House Human Services Committee voted 8-3 to give the measure a "do not pass" recommendation. The measure is slated for debate on the House floor this week.

Freshman Democratic Rep. Pam Anderson of Fargo is the sponsor of the bill that would allow pot or cannabis-related products for medical use. The bill has bipartisan support.

People suffering chronic pain and parents of critically ill children pleaded with North Dakota lawmakers earlier this month to pass the legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana in the state.

Health officials and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem opposed the measure. Stenehjem says the bill does not address numerous regulatory and public safety concerns.