A bill to let patients who suffer from a list of ailments obtain marijuana for therapeutic purposes is closer to becoming law after passing the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a comfortable margin.- Download the WGAL app for breaking news alertsThe House voted 149 to 43 Wednesday for a proposal that would set standards for growers, dispensaries and physicians.Patients could take the drug in pill, oil or liquid form, but wouldn't be able to obtain marijuana they could smoke.Supporters say it's a way to help relieve suffering of sick people.Opponents argue the Legislature shouldn't be approving a drug that's illegal under federal law.It still needs final approval in the Senate, which passed a similar approach last year.Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has urged passage of legalized medical marijuana.

A bill to let patients who suffer from a list of ailments obtain marijuana for therapeutic purposes is closer to becoming law after passing the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a comfortable margin.

- Download the WGAL app for breaking news alerts


The House voted 149 to 43 Wednesday for a proposal that would set standards for growers, dispensaries and physicians.

Patients could take the drug in pill, oil or liquid form, but wouldn't be able to obtain marijuana they could smoke.

Supporters say it's a way to help relieve suffering of sick people.

Opponents argue the Legislature shouldn't be approving a drug that's illegal under federal law.

It still needs final approval in the Senate, which passed a similar approach last year.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has urged passage of legalized medical marijuana.