Topeka ? The Senate’s Public Health and Welfare Committee is to hear testimony this week from supporters and opponents of medical marijuana.

Two Democratic lawmakers have filed bills that would allow some patients with chronic illnesses to legally obtain and use marijuana. Similar measures have been filed since 2009, but none has progressed past informational hearings where no action can be taken, such as the ones this week.

Supporters of the Senate measure will address the panel on Wednesday, while opponents get their turn on Thursday.

About 50 people attended a rally last week at the Statehouse supporting the bill.

Currently 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, while recreational marijuana use is legal in four states — Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.