Utah Edges Closer to Medical Pot, Faces Uphill Battle

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A plan to legalize the use of edible, vapor and topical marijuana products by those with chronic conditions has cleared a key vote Utah's Senate.

Senators voted 17-12 Thursday to advance the plan to Utah's House of Representatives. Supporters of the plan say they don't know yet whether they have enough support in the House to pass the measure but they predict it will be a close fight.

The Senate's approval came after the Mormon church earlier this week relaxed some of its opposition to the measure. Most lawmakers are members of the faith and church positions can cause bills to sink or swim at the Legislature.