The Alabama Legislature Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would create a statewide medical marijuana program, following two historic votes and a House debate spanning more than two days.

The House of Representatives voted 68 to 34 to approve the measure, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, despite a lengthy filibuster from about a half-dozen dedicated opponents that delayed a vote on the bill on Tuesday. The Senate concurred in changes to the bill late Thursday on a 20 to 9 vote.

Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, a longtime medical cannabis advocate who handled the bill in the House, had tears in his eyes when speaking to reporters after the House vote.

“This is just a happy day for me and a great burden has been lifted,” he said.

Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for Gov. Kay Ivey, wrote Thursday night that the governor “looked forward to thoroughly reviewing” the bill.

“We appreciate the debate from the Legislature on the topic,” the statement said. “This is certainly an emotional issue. We are sensitive to that and will give it the diligence it deserves.”

In the Montgomery County delegation, Reps. Kelvin Lawrence, D-Hayneville; Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery and Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, voted for the bill. Reps. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road and Charlotte Meadows, R-Montgomery, voted against it. [Read More @ The Montgomery Advertiser]