Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use in Minnesota still faces a big hurdle in the Republican-controlled Senate, but that hasn’t stopped DFL Gov. Tim Walz from preparing for its potential passage.
Walz said last week he has directed relevant state agencies to be ready next year to implement the law if a bill ends up reaching his desk.
“My agencies have been tasked to put all of the building blocks in place, from Revenue to the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health. We will have everything ready to go, and we will be able to implement it in Minnesota the minute the Legislature moves this.”
Walz says he’s counting on supporters to continue the push for legalization.
Democrats in the Minnesota House are also preparing, and a key lawmaker is ready to lead the charge.
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL- Golden Valley, plans to be the chief sponsor of the legalization bill next year.
“It’s a big issue that needs a lot of attention to be done well,” Winkler said about why he’s becoming involved now.
The form of the legislation in the House is unclear. Ideas range from full legalization to forming a task force to study the issue. [Read more at Minnesota Public Radio]
