Alabama House lawmakers debating medical marijuana bill Wednesday

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Alabama lawmakers in the House of Representatives held a hearing on a state medical marijuana bill Wednesday.

Senate bill 46, also called "The Compassion Act," would allow people with certain conditions to register and use medical marijuana.

The bill would not legalize smokeable forms of marijuana, but it would allow for edibles, topical creams and other forms.

• SEE ALSO: Medical marijuana is back on the table in Alabama

The Alabama House Health Committee is holding the public hearing on the bill by Sen. Tim Melson, a Republican from Florence who is a doctor and medical researcher.

• SEE ALSO: Alabama Senate approves medical marijuana bill, now goes to House

The bill has already been approved by the state Senate.

If both chambers approve the bill and Governor Ivey signs it into law, Alabama would become the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana.