FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Senate voted Thursday to legalize medical marijuana in the state, delivering a breakthrough endorsement after years of resisting access to cannabis for people suffering from a series of debilitating illnesses.

The measure was passed by the Senate on a 26-11 vote, sending it the House, which has supported medical cannabis measures in the past. Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers.

“This is one of those issues where you take out the ledger and you list the pros and cons,” said Republican Sen. Stephen West, the bill’s lead sponsor. “And it’s a long list on both sides. But for me personally, the pros outweigh the cons.”

Republican Sen. Gary Boswell opposed the bill, referring to cannabis as “a drug, not a medicine.” He said the qualifying medical categories listed in the measure are “too broad.”

The dramatic vote came before lawmakers started an extended break to give Gov. Andy Beshear time to consider signing or vetoing the stacks of bills sent to him. The House can take up the medical marijuana proposal in late March, when lawmakers will reconvene for the final two days of this year’s legislative session. [Read More @ AP News]