A Star Tribune/MPR News poll from earlier this year showed that a majority of Minnesotans support the legalization of recreational marijuana. Still, residents aren’t able to legally light up — at least for now. Public opinion has shifted dramatically in favor of legalization in recent years, and most states now operate a medical marijuana program. Since 2012, 11 states […]
Minnesota
Minnesota legislative leader introduces marijuana legalization bill
A bill that would legalize cannabis for adult use in Minnesota was introduced Tuesday. Authored by House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley), the bill would allow for possession and consumption of cannabis by those 21 and older. Winkler, an outspoken advocate for cannabis legalization, said while the COVID-19 pandemic will be the Legislature’s top […]
Odds long, but Minnesota lawmakers to push for legalizing recreational marijuana
Some top Minnesota Democratic lawmakers are planning to make a major push in the 2020 legislative session to legalize recreational marijuana, though they acknowledged Tuesday that the bill probably won’t become law this year. “Legalization is going to happen in Minnesota, and the question is whether it happens this year, next year, or the year […]
New hemp market taking shape in rural Minnesota
Seventy-five years ago, a May newspaper article reported 5,000 tons of hemp were stacked at the site of the Hutchinson hemp plant — where 3M now stands — with 2,000 more yet to be hauled there. Another article in October reports the Hutchinson plant is one of 11 to be closed in Minnesota following the […]
Two people have vaping illnesses in Minnesota medical cannabis program, unclear if vaping sole cause
The Minnesota Health Department confirmed, for 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, that there are now two confirmed/probable cases of people with respiratory illnesses in the state’s medical cannabis program. In an e-mail, a Health Department spokesperson said “Of Minnesota’s 61 cases listed as confirmed/probable, two are enrolled in the medical cannabis program. Both cases also reported vaping […]
Minnesota Gov. Walz wants state to be ready to roll on legal marijuana
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 […]
MN medical marijuana companies lost a combined $2.4 million in 2018. But they are optimistic about their future.
Minnesota’s two medical marijuana companies lost a combined $2.4 million in 2018, adding to years of losses that have largely been driven by the state’s tightly regulated program. Leafline Labs, which has never had a profitable year, reported a net income loss of $1.8 million in 2018, according to financial documents obtained by the Pioneer […]
How Minnesota can fix its medical marijuana market
Minnesota’s medical marijuana program has struggled for years as the flaws in its design have caused issue after issue. New patients are leaving the program in droves, turning to the black market or prescription opioids because they cannot afford the processed pills and oils that are legal. Growers are losing millions because of a strict tax […]
Minnesota measure would legalize marijuana by 2022
Senate GOP leader dismissed bill, saying legalization is not a priority. Minnesotans over 21 would could buy and use marijuana legally by 2022 as part of a proposal that would give the state significant power and oversight of a recreational cannabis program. The state would regulate all aspects of the local marijuana industry, enforcing health […]
Minnesota OKs Medical Marijuana to Treat Alzheimer’s
Minnesota Alzheimer’s disease patients will be eligible to use medical marijuana in their treatment starting next August. State Health Department officials Monday they’ve added Alzheimer’s as qualifying condition to receive medical cannabis. The decision, part of the department’s regular process to review requests for treatment, means patients suffering from the crippling neurological disorder can enroll […]
