Updates from the hearing via Twitter



MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Medicinal marijuana advocates will get their day in legislative committee this afternoon.

The House Health Committee is holding a public hearing at w1 p.m. to hear from advocates and opponents of legalizing medicinal marijuana.

Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, has been unsuccessfully pushing a bill for several years that would make small amounts of marijuana available by prescription to people with certain medical conditions.

"We need all the medical options available to people who are suffering," Todd said.

"It's just common sense to me."

Todd said she became passionate about the issue after watching marijuana ease the suffering of a friend with AIDS and then another dying with late-stage ovarian cancer.

"She did chemo, and couldn't eat and was miserable," Todd said. "It worked. It allowed her to eat a little more. She was more comfortable."

The Birmingham lawmaker acknowledged it will be an uphill battle to convince lawmakers.

"This is not a done deal. We are not going to pass it this year. This is the beginning of the conversation," Todd said.

Todd said she did not ask for today's hearing, which is being held months before lawmakers convene Feb. 5 for the legislative session.

Committee Chairman Jim McClendon, R-Springville, said he agreed to hold the hearing out of respect for Todd.

"She's been stalwart on this. I just thought it was time to go ahead and let these folks bring to the Health Committee what they want to bring to the Health Committee," McClendon said.

The hearing will be held in the coincidentally named Joint Briefing Room of the Alabama State House. A rally is planned for noon.