The Utah Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in the state, although the ultimate fate of the bill is unclear amid fears some senators may change their vote when the bill comes up for final passage, possibly later this week.
The Senate voted 15-13 to move SB73 to a final vote after tearful pleas from its sponsor, Sen. Mark Madsen, not to "let down" the suffering patients who say they need medical marijuana and warnings from opponents of increased risk of addiction and teen use.
The vote came hours after the LDS Church softened its opposition to the proposal while expressing continued concerns about how the drug would be grown, dispensed and regulated.
An emotional Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs, told the story of Alicia Sperry, whose son Carter has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Chemotherapy can prolong Carter's life, Madsen said, "but Alicia wants to add life to the days he has left. … Please don't let them down."
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