Why it matters: The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, coming just days after the House of Representatives passed a similar measure. If the bill becomes law, Minnesota would become the 23rd state to legalize marijuana.
What they are saying: DFL Senator Lindsey Port, the lead sponsor of the bill, says it is time to change Minnesota’s marijuana policy. She added that attitudes are changing, and Minnesotans are ready for legalized marijuana. Republican Senator Mark Johnson, meanwhile, says that the bill is not enough in terms of public safety and adds that local governments are not getting enough support.
The big picture: The legislation would legalize the possession and purchase of cannabis by adults over 21, with a regulatory framework established to oversee production and sales. Home cultivation would also be allowed, with up to eight cannabis plants permitted within a home. The bill includes provisions to address the harms caused by years of cannabis prohibition, including the expunging of convictions for many offenses.
What to watch: The two bills, with key differences in areas such as the limit on possession, will now go to a conference committee to iron out those inconsistencies. Following this, both the House and the Senate will vote on the final version of the bill.
My take: With the Minnesota government under Democratic control, it is no surprise that this bill has passed despite opposition from Republicans. The racial justice elements of the bill are wise and address one of the key issues with the prohibition of marijuana. If the bill passes, Minnesota will become one of the few states where home cultivation is allowed and will join a selection of states that have decided to legalize marijuana, creating a new market for numerous businesses.
