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Senate Approves Colorado Marijuana Welfare Measure

DENVER (AP) - A Colorado proposal to prevent public benefit cards from being used at marijuana dispensary ATMs or strip clubs is halfway to the governor's desk.

The Senate voted 23-12 Monday in favor of the bill.

Many dispensary ATMs are already set up to decline the electronic benefit cards, known as EBTs. But bill sponsors say additional steps are needed to avoid possible federal sanctions if there's evidence of misuse.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Some Democrats voted against the measure because they say it's not clear that the misuse of the cards is widespread. Colorado doesn't regulate privately held ATMs, making a statewide count problematic.

The bill now heads to the House.

LINK: Senate Bill 65

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