Senators advance bill allowing medical use of marijuana

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Senate panel has advanced a bill legalizing marijuana in South Carolina for patients suffering from an array of ailments recognized by a doctor.

The bipartisan sponsors of the proposal sent to a full Senate committee Thursday wanted suggestions to make the bill better.

It would allow qualified patients and care-givers to possess limited amounts of marijuana and creates a seed-to-sale tracking system.

Law enforcement officials and the South Carolina Baptist Convention oppose the bill.

It makes the state’s health agency responsible for licensing marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries.

Marijuana use is illegal under federal law but allowed in some cases in dozens of states.

A South Carolina law approved last year allows people suffering from severe epilepsy to use a non-psychoactive oil derived from marijuana to control their seizures.