Lawmakers are moving forward to legalize medical marijuana.

Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, filed the Compassionate Care Act Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

Rep. Peter McCoy, R-Charleston, sponsored a similar House bill.

33 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico allow some type of medical cannabis, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Davis proposed the Compassionate Care Act in 2018, but it failed to pass.

Last week, a Senate panel urged Congress to open more research on medical uses for marijuana.

Bill sponsor Sen. Greg Hembree, a Republican and former prosecutor, said he supports expanding the medical uses of cannabis with the right testing, procedures and caution.

Discussing his proposal with AP, Davis called it a “socially conservative” bill that helps patients in need but also includes stiff penalties for recreational use.

SC Medical Association attorney Patrick Dennis said his organization had concerns.

“Our physicians remain opposed to sections of the new bill forcing physicians to be the access point for marijuana,” he said.

“It is important for lawmakers and physicians alike to engage in careful study of this new iteration of marijuana legislation.”

Davis’ previous proposal drew opposition from law enforcement with State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel testifying about his concerns that legalizing marijuana in any form could create a “black market” for resale and potential abuse.

Last summer, Democratic primary voters opted overwhelmingly to support legal medical marijuana in a non-binding ballot resolution.

80% of SC citizens say they agree that people should be allowed to use cannabis as part of their medical treatment.

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