FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee gave the green light to advance a medical marijuana bill to the house floor Thursday.

Republican Rep. Jason Nemes, of Louisville, has sponsored some form of the legislation multiple times, but this year’s medical marijuana bill is much more restricted, in an effort to gain more Republican support.

The bill would only allow oral or topical forms of marijuana and would not be prescribed for patients to smoke.

A handful of conditions including chronic pain and epilepsy would be eligible for a prescription.

Nemes testified before the committee Thursday afternoon and said he believes the debate over whether medical marijuana helps people was over.

“This bill Mr. Chairman, it ain’t no joke. This is a law-enforcement heavy, this is a medication-heavy bill. This is not a wink-wink, nod-nod to get to recreational,” said Nemes.

The bill passed with bipartisan support, with only one no vote.

Some who had voted against previous versions were won over by this bill like Rep. Joe Fischer. The bill now awaits a floor vote in the house before being taken up in the Senate.