State of Minnesota Archives: on Drugs

Rebecca Otto: War on drugs is a failure

Tina Liebling: War on drugs failed; end prohibition & use pot responsibly

Cannabis is not harmless, but prohibition of cannabis has not worked and has also caused many unintended, harmful consequences. Minnesotans spend perhaps $700 million per year on illegal cannabis, which they buy without knowing the purity of what they buy. Cannabis prohibition also contributes to racial disparities in our state as it fills expensive prison beds with people who do not belong there. Without prohibition we could do a better job keeping cannabis away from children and educating our population on how to use it responsibly and with regard to the rights of others.

Minnesotans should have the opportunity to decide whether to legalize personal use of cannabis under a careful system of regulation and taxation. Law enforcement should have a voice on drug policy, but never a veto.

Heather Johnson: Release prisoners convicted of marijuana possession

A: Not only would I support the legalization of marijuana, I would support any legislation that would decriminalize it. People who are in prison for marijuana would be released and have their records expunged. Obviously if they harmed somebody in a drug crime they would still need to pay for that, but the marijuana offenses would not hold.

Q: Do you have any lasting concerns about the regulatory and safety of marijuana?

A: Some people are calling for it to be legalized and regulated so it can be taxed. I have concerns about the FDA being involved in pharmaceuticals, if people are harmed you never see any reparations or repairs. Legalization would create jobs and boost the economy. I'm not in favor of excessive regulation of any business; let people vote with their dollars.

Mark Dayton: Establish rules for medical marijuana

• "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
• "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
• "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Erin Murphy: Establish rules for medical marijuana

• "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
• "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
• "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Murphy voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Jim Newberger: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

• "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
• "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
• "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Newberger voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Matt Dean: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

• "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
• "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
• "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Matt Dean voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Tina Liebling: Establish rules for medical marijuana

• "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
• "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
• "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Tina Liebling voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Tim Pawlenty: Legalizing marijuana is unneeded & unwise

Jim Abeler: No legalized medical marijuana

Legislative title:Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Legislative summary:Vote to legalize marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.

• Allows a qualifying patient to receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana
• Defines a primary caregiver as a person of at least 18 years who assists no more than five qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana
• Retains the use of marijuana solely for terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness
• Allows issuing ID cards to qualifying patients, enabling them to purchase marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries
• Requires that a licensed practitioner sign a written certification for a qualifying patient recommending the medical use of marijuana
• Defines a registered organization as a nonprofit entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that provides marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients and caregivers.

Mark Dayton: Greatest threat to national security is flood of drugs

Mark Dayton: Strengthen the fight against illegal drugs