ALABAMA:  In a somewhat surprising move, a comprehensive medical marijuana bill passed in an Alabama Senate committee on Wednesday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee gave Sen. Bobby Singleton’s bill a favorable report on a 4-3 vote after little debate. The Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act can now be considered on the Senate floor.

Senate leadership could, however, refuse to put the bill on a calendar so it can be debated and voted on by the full body.

A standing room only crowd filled the committee room hoping to participate in a public hearing on the bill. That hearing, however, was taken off the committee agenda prior to the meeting.