Mass. group seeks to allow pot for medical use

Massachusetts voters may get to decide next year whether marijuana should be allowed for medical purposes.

A group called the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance said Tuesday that it has filed an initiative petition that would allow people suffering from cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis or other debilitating diseases to register for medical marijuana.

Patients would need written permission from their doctors and could only receive marijuana from non-profit treatment centers that are regulated by the state Department of Public Health.