The fast-tracked bill would bar patients from smoking the substance but allow them to use it in vapor form.

With an overwhelming majority, The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana Tuesday.

Following that 71-26 vote, the bill moves quickly into the senate.

"We are under time constraints, before Memorial Day, before we recess until November," Rep. Steve Huffman said.

The fast-tracked bill would bar patients from smoking the substance but allow them to use it in vapor form.

"I think we're slightly out of bounds as a legislature in leading this process," Representative Kevin Boyce said.

He was among several representatives explaining their personal stance on the issue prior to the vote. He went on to say he "reluctantly supports" HB523.

Representative Alicia Reece does not. She said it does not address many of the issues Ohioans are calling for in any law on marijuana.

She demanded amendments that would also offer automatic expungement of marijuana charges and the banning of hair samples to protect the jobs of those who had ingested marijuana.

"If we're going to legalize marijuana it should come with some automatic expungements to protect employment," Rep. Reece said. "Too many of our people have convictions and can't get jobs."

Under the legislation, a nine-member Medical Marijuana Control Commission would set the rules for cultivating, distributing and licensing cannabis.

Communities could opt out of hosting dispensaries. Employers who want to maintain drug-free workplaces would be protected from liability.

Rep. Kirk Schuring chairs the House committee that approved the bill last week. The Canton Republican says he expects the legislation to be enacted by the end of May.

It's unclear what changes might be made in the Senate.

Lawmakers seek to head off a proposed November ballot issue supported by the national medical marijuana movement.

Also under the bill:

Home-growing marijuana is prohibited

Smoking marijuana is prohibited

The Commission will conduct background checks on all applicants

The Commission will establish and maintain a record containing the number of patients and medical conditions for which medical marijuana is recommended

The General Assembly and Administration will advocate Congress and the US Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II

The General Assembly shall create an incentive program for institutions of higher learning and medical institutions to perform academic and medical research

Minors must have consent from a parent or guardian to use medical marijuana