Minn. House panel approves medical marijuana bill

A House panel has approved a bill that would legalize marijuana for medical use if the patient consumes it in pill, oil or vapor form in clinical trials.

State law enforcement officials have said they won't oppose the measure.

Heather Azzi, director of a group that has pushed for legalized medical marijuana, says the legislation is unconstitutional because it would require a state employee to provide marijuana to patients in violation of federal law. Azzi, who has worked to craft legislation in other states, also says it is illegal because it would allow doctors to tell patients where to get medical marijuana.

Azzi's group favors legalization with fewer restrictions.

The legislation next goes to the House Ways and Means Committee.