Come next year, Minnesota may be the next state to legalize marijuana.
Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) flipped the state Senate on Tuesday, securing a trifecta for the first time in nearly a decade: both chambers of the state legislature and the governorship. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reportedly told former Governor Jesse Ventura in a phone call that marijuana legalization would be one of the first bills passed through this trifecta.
“The sticking point for cannabis in Minnesota were the Republicans and the house they controlled,” stated Ventura. “Well, they’ve lost it now, and the governor reassured me that one of the first items that will be passed — Minnesota, get ready — cannabis is going to have its prohibition lifted.”
Ventura added that Walz also invited him to the bill’s signing. The former governor has reportedly attempted to legalize marijuana for 20 years.
Based on Walz’s remarks this year, the governor may also have an eye on expunging marijuana convictions in the state. Walz’s vision preceded President Joe Biden’s mass pardon of those convicted of simple marijuana possession last month.
It’s time to legalize adult-use cannabis and expunge cannabis convictions in Minnesota.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 20, 2022
Legalization of the drug advances as more questions arise among legislators and medical professionals on the connection between marijuana usage and mental illness.
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