Democratic state lawmakers renewed efforts to legalize marijuana this week with the introduction of a bill aimed at creating a safe, regulated marketplace and addressing racial injustices found in the current system.
Newly-elected Savage Rep. Jess Hanson, DFL-Burnsville, joined three other state lawmakers at a news conference Monday announcing the proposed legislation.
Hanson, who’s been advocating for legalization since 2017, said Minnesotans across rural, suburban and urban communities are seeking a well-regulated industry to provide safe, legal access to “a healing plant.”
The time is now, she said, to begin the “reparative journey towards the better outcomes that our communities deserve.”
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, said lawmakers need to come together to end the black market for cannabis and offer a safe, regulated marketplace for adult consumers.
Supporters of marijuana legalization also say it’s a step towards addressing deep racial inequities in the criminal justice system.
Under the legislation proposed this month by House democrats, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor marijuana-only offenses would be automatically expunged from criminal records. An expungement review board would also be created to…
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Democratic state lawmakers renewed efforts to legalize marijuana this week with the introduction of a bill aimed at creating a safe, regulated marketplace and addressing racial injustices found in the current system.
Newly-elected Savage Rep. Jess Hanson, DFL-Burnsville, joined three other state lawmakers at a news conference Monday announcing the proposed legislation.
Hanson, who’s been advocating for legalization since 2017, said Minnesotans across rural, suburban and urban communities are seeking a well-regulated industry to provide safe, legal access to “a healing plant.”
The time is now, she said, to begin the “reparative journey towards the better outcomes that our communities deserve.”
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, said lawmakers need to come together to end the black market for cannabis and offer a safe, regulated marketplace for adult consumers.
Supporters of marijuana legalization also say it’s a step towards addressing deep racial inequities in the criminal justice system.
Under the legislation proposed this month by House democrats, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor marijuana-only offenses would be automatically expunged from criminal records. An expungement review board would also be created to…