People who smoke marijuana for medical purposes in North Carolina told House members it relieves their chronic pain, but a bill legalizing its use isn't likely to pass.

The proposal considered Thursday by the House Health Committee would exempt from prosecution patients who possess a small amount
of marijuana or grow it for themselves.

Janet Osburn of Clayton is a nurse who testified smoking marijuana eased her constant pain from spine and muscular disease.

But the Rev. Mark Creech of the Christian Action League of North Carolina said legalizing marijuana would create unintended consequences and other prescription drugs can bring the same
effects.

No vote was taken. Committee co-chairman Rep. Bob England said he didn't expect one this late in the session.