MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- A medicinal marijuana bill is getting its day in legislative committee, although legislators have said the outlook for passage is not high.

The House Health Committee will consider the bill next Wednesday.

“All we’re asking is to give us another tool in the doctor toolkit,” said sponsor Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham.

Todd’s bill would allow people with certain illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS, to obtain small amounts of marijuana by prescription.

Todd has challenged legislators to think about the person they love most in the world suffering from cancer or another terminal disease.

“Most people would do anything in their power to alleviate that pain and suffering,” Todd said.

The House Health Committee in November held a public hearing on the pros and cons of medicinal marijuana. The committee hearing, which saw passionate testimony on both sides, ended with lawmakers saying it would be a long time before such a measure was approved in Alabama.

Eighteen states, plus the the District of Columbia, have approved some form of medicinal marijuana. In Arkansas, a similar initiative failed 51 .4 percent to 48.6 percent.

Todd acknowledged the opposition to her bill and said she was "shocked" at being on the committee agenda. However, Todd said she remains optimistic.

“You can always hope,” Todd said.

Story will be updated.