MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL GETS STATE SENATE HEARING TODAY

A bill that would legalize the medical use of marijuana in Minnesota
continues to work its way through the state Legislature, with a Senate
hearing on it set for today.

The Senate Finance Committee scheduled a hearing on the bill this
morning.

The bill, gaining support among legislators but adamantly opposed by
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, already has been approved by three other Senate
committees.

In the past, the bill has gotten as far as winning approval by the
full Senate in 2007, but has never reached Pawlenty's desk.

It also has been approved by four committees in the
House.

The proposal, as in past years, would establish a system through which
qualified patients could obtain marijuana to ease pain and other
symptoms through nonprofit organizations registered with the state.

If it becomes law, add Minnesota to the list of 13 states that permit
some form of medicinal use of marijuana.

Pawlenty remains opposed to any legalization, but his spokesman has
said he would reconsider if law-enforcement officials drop their own
firm opposition to it. So far, none has.