Pubdate: Tue, 26 Feb 2013 Source: Norman Transcript (OK) Copyright: 2013 Associated Press Contact: http://www.normantranscript.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/552 Author: Sean Murphy, Associated Press Page: A1 OKLAHOMA SENATE PANEL KILLS MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL Committee Votes 6-2 Against Legalization OKLAHOMA CITY - A Senate committee on Monday defeated a proposal to legalize the medical use of marijuana in Oklahoma, but the bill's author said she considers it a victory that the measure was even granted a legislative hearing. Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 6-2 against the measure in a party-line vote with Republicans in opposition. "I consider it a victory for the citizens of this state," said Sen. Constance Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, who has introduced several bills over the last six years to allow for the medical use of marijuana or ease the penalties for possession of the drug. "I think it's a step in the right direction in terms of moving it forward and getting some indication of what people's reservations are so we'll know what to address." The bill would have allowed a qualified patient or designated caregiver to possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and 12 plants. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom