COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP): The Ohio House has passed a proposal to legalize medical marijuana in the state.

The bill would bar patients from smoking the substance but allow them to use it in vapor form.

Under the legislation, a nine-member Medical Marijuana Control Commission would set rules for cultivating, distributing and licensing cannabis. Communities could opt out of hosting dispensaries. Employers who want to maintain drug-free workplaces would be protected from liability.

The bill passed on a 70-25 vote Tuesday. The Senate plans to begin hearings on the measure Wednesday.

Rep. Kirk Schuring led a special committee on the issue. He has said he expects the legislation to be enacted by the end of May.

Lawmakers are seeking to head off a proposed November ballot issue supported by the national medical marijuana movement.