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Medical Marijuana Bill Clears First Hurdle In House

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A bill that would legalize low-THC marijuana for medical use cleared its first hurdle in the Florida House.

The Criminal Justice Subcommittee approved the bill on Wednesday. It would allow doctors to prescribe a strain of marijuana known as "Charlotte's Web" that contains low amounts of THC, which causes users to feel high.

The marijuana does contain normal amounts of CBD, which is used to treat seizures.

The committee heard from several parents who pleaded with them to approve the bill so they can help their children. The marijuana would be converted into a liquid form for medical use.

It marks the first time any legislative committee has approved medical marijuana in any form. Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell was the only member to vote against it.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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