CONCORD – Legislation that would permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes has again been defeated.

On Wednesday, the Senate voted 13-10 to overturn Gov. John Lynch's veto of Senate Bill 409, three votes short of the necessary two-thirds margin for an override.

The bill would have allowed seriously and terminally ill patients to grow marijuana for personal use with a doctor's prescription.

Supporters of the bill said it was carefully crafted to ensure that only people with severe debilitating medical conditions would have access to the drug. Opponents, including Gov. Lynch, cited law enforcement concerns about proliferation and abuse of marijuana.