Wash. Senate allows more to OK medical marijuana

OLYMPIA — More medical professionals will be allowed to authorize the use of medical marijuana for qualified patients under a measure approved by the Washington state Senate. On a 37-11 vote Friday, the Senate passed a bill that adds physician assistants, naturopaths and others to the list of those who can officially recommend marijuana for patients under the state’s medical marijuana law. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to write the recommendation. The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.