The State Senate killed Utah’s chance of having medical marijuana anytime soon, with President Wayne Niederhauser casting the final, deciding vote.

SB259 sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs, died on a 14-15 vote.

Conservative Republicans and Democrats in the Senate joined together in support of the bill, but members who are medical professionals persuaded moderate Republicans that the issue needed more study and input from doctors and state agencies.

Two women who have traveled out of state for cannabis to treat their maladies were in tears and speechless after the vote.

“I just wish people would take time to educate themselves,” said Tenille Farr of Spanish Fork, holding her infant, Gabe, who was born a few months after she learned she had Hodgkin lymphoma.

Christine Stenquist of Kaysville, who said she suffered from fibromyalgia and a brain tumor before getting relief with medical marijuana in Oregon, told Farr, “It’s OK. We’ll get a referendum.” [Read more at The Salt Lake Tribune]