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The Senate version of the CARE Act, a medical marijuana bill, has passed its first hurdle. The Senate Committee voted in favor of the CARE Act by a vote of 6-2, with three people abstaining. Greg Albritton and Larry Stutts were no votes. Will Barfoot, Sam Givhan, and Rodger Smitherman abstained.

Judiciary Committee approves medical marijuana bill by vote of 6-2 with three abstentions. Moves to Senate. #alpolitics — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) April 24, 2019

The bill would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to those 19 or older who suffer from certain conditions. It faced opposition from law enforcement who claimed the bill sends a wrong message about a harmful drug.

Clay Hammac, commander of drug enforcement for the Shelby County sheriff's department, tells Judiciary Committee that medical marijuana bill sends wrong message about a harmful drug and would be 1st step toward recreational marijuana. #alpolitics — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) April 24, 2019

The bill did have it’s qualified supporters, with Dr. Jerzy Szaflaski speaking on the medicinal value of marijuana.

Dr. Jerzy Szaflaski, who has worked on the UAB study of CBD oil, is speaking on behalf of the medical marijuana bill. Saying studies are showing the medical value of cannabis for certain conditions. #alpolitics — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) April 24, 2019

The bill now moves on to the Senate floor for debate.