AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) � A bill that seeks to make it easier for qualified patients in Maine to obtain medical marijuana appears to be headed to a statewide vote in November.



The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted 8-0 Wednesday to reject a citizen initiative that would have the state issue identification cards to qualifying patients and allow licensed nonprofit dispensaries to provide marijuana to those patients.



Mainers in 1999 approved a law to allow residents to possess marijuana for medical use with a doctor's recommendation. But patients contend there's been no practical way for them to legally obtain the marijuana.



The Kennebec Journal reported that the bill will now go to Maine voters barring any unusual legislative maneuvers.



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Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/