Opponents of Alaska's law allowing legal possession of small amounts of marijuana were rebuffed in their most recent attempt to get the measure repealed, the Anchorage Daily News reported Feb. 2.

A Senate bill designed primarily to fight production of methamphetamine was amended to include the marijuana-criminalization provision. But the state House of Representatives rejected the measure, in part because the Senate also took out record-keeping requirements for pharmacies and other sellers of over-the-counter cold medicines that can be used to make meth.

"I thought we did some excellent work, bipartisan work, and it's come back as a Christmas tree," said Rep. Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage). "I believe the trunk of the Christmas tree is rotten now, and I'm not buying it."

The combination of lawmakers like Crawford and supporters of marijuana legalization was enough to kill the bill in the House. The measure now goes back to the Senate for reworking. 

Gov. Frank Murkowski supports the bid to override the state constitution and make marijuana illegal in Alaska. "The governor is absolutely committed to having legislation on marijuana and methamphetamine this session, and we are very optimistic," a spokesperson said. "The goal is a bill that protects our children and communities."