The Illinois Senate has approved a measure that would legalize medical marijuana, the Galesburg Register-Mail reported May 27.

The Senate voted 30-28 in favor of the bill, which now moves to the state House of Representatives. The House failed to pass similar legislation last year, but a House panel did approve a bill similar to the Senate measure earlier in the current session.

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Chareleston), who opposed the bill, said he was concerned that background checks were not required for people handling the drugs. The measure's sponsor, Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), said the legislation was meant to provide cannabis only to those with prescriptions.

"It is not intended to be a stealth legalization (of marijuana)," Haine said.