Medical marijuana proposal gains momentum in Kentucky

After years of running into a roadblock, Kentucky's medical marijuana proposal is gaining momentum. The bill cleared a Senate committee with support from a key Republican leader.

The measure — Senate Bill 47 — cleared the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee on an 8-3 vote. With a new burst of momentum, it heads to the full Senate, where legalization bills died in past years without even getting a committee hearing.

If it passes the Senate this time, the bill would need House approval in the final few days of this year's 30-day legislative session. The House passed similar versions in the past. Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers.