Minnesota Lawmakers Want Voters to Decide if State Legalizes Marijuana

There are nine lawmakers in Minnesota that want the voters to decide whether personal use of marijuana should be legal. All nine of these lawmakers are Democrats. The Minnesota constitutional amendment would be available on the November 2018 ballot if it makes it that far.

It’s been three years since Minnesota adopted a restricted medical marijuana law, according to Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Minnesota is slightly aligned with 28 other states that have medical marijuana programs. This, however, is more restricted than most.

Representative Jason Metsa said, “This is a conversation starter. We are all well aware that our colleagues who are chairs … are not interested in having this conversation right now. But you have to have a starting point.”

Representative Tina Liebling said, “I do think this belongs in the constitution because this is about allowing, giving Minnesotans a right that I believe they should have and they believe they should have.”

A second measure was introduced by Minnesota House Democrats to legalize adult-use of marijuana by legislative process rather than ballot process.

Representative John Applebaum said, “The world is changing, and Minnesotans are rightfully developing different attitudes on marijuana.”

Governor Mark Dayton is not on-board with either proposal.

Dayton said that, “I do like the idea of asking the people of Minnesota … if there’s really an overwhelming popular will for that, that would be something to consider. Probably public opinion has changed, I don’t know to what extent.”

Representative Pat Garofalo is a Republican and supports medical marijuana. He said, “It is an important change that merits thoughtful consideration and deliberation. So far I have yet to see that seriousness in the presentation of this proposal.”

Applebaum says that Minnesota residents are using marijuana regardless of its status and the state should make some money from it. He said, “We should capitalize on it, make sure that it’s safe and it can add some much-needed tax revenues for our state.”