Lawmakers to meet Monday to alter marijuana ballot measure

Utah state lawmakers will meet Monday in a special session of the Legislature to make changes to a medical marijuana law passed by voters in the midterm election.

Gov. Gary Herbert on Friday formally called the special session, which will begin at 10 a.m.

The session is part of a pre-election compromise struck by the main advocates of the ballot initiative to gain the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and state lawmakers and prevent radical changes to the measure.

The Church had opposed the ballot proposal over fears it could lead to broader use of marijuana. However, as the proposal seemed to gain support, the church agreed to the pre-election deal to allow access for people with serious medical needs.

The initiative won with 53 percent of voters approving it.