Here’s how MM introduce the background to the 222 page bill
It was mid-February when Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL) pledged to introduce what he’d called “the best legalization bill in the country” within the coming weeks. Shortly after, the state plunged along with the rest of the country into the global coronavirus outbreak, and marijuana reform was put on ice.
Now, as states begin taking steps toward normalcy, Winkler has finally revealed the promised bill, introduced on Tuesday with 33 cosponsors.
“Our current priority is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said after filing the legislation, “but after the town halls and discussions around this issue, we still wanted to put a strong bill forward. As we look to come out of this crisis as a better, stronger Minnesota, we need to continue working toward legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use.”
Interestingly, some of the functions of this legislation reflect the draft legislation published this past week in New Zealand.
Are we going to see legislation (and hopefully, amendments nationwide) that call for a cannabis sector designed for the general public as well as industry and lobbyists. It’s an exciting thought, moving forward.
Read on at
Top Minnesota Lawmaker Unveils Long-Delayed ‘Best’ Marijuana Legalization Bill In The Country
WINKLER PRESS RELEASE
Legislative News and Views – Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL)
Majority Leader Winkler introduces adult-use cannabis legislation, will continue conversation after crisis ends
St. Paul, Minnesota — Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler introduced legislation today that would legalize the adult use of cannabis. The legislation is the result of months of public discussions on how to responsibly legalize and regulate cannabis.
“We made a commitment to introduce legislation this session, and we wanted to follow through on that commitment,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Our current priority is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after the town halls and discussions around this issue, we still wanted to put a strong bill forward. As we look to come out of this crisis as a better, stronger Minnesota, we need to continue working toward legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use.”
The bill includes the following:
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Creates a regulatory structure focused on developing micro-businesses and a craft market
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Provides for expungement of most cannabis convictions
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Provides for a limited allowance of home grow
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Requires testing and labeling of products
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Restricts packaging based on dosage size
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Provides funding for public health awareness, youth access prevention, and substance abuse addiction and treatment
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Provides grants, loans, technical assistance, and training for small businesses
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Uses best practices from other states to account for negative externalities
“Minnesotans have been loud and clear that our current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” added Majority Leader Winkler. “By creating a regulatory framework we can address the harms caused by cannabis and establish a more sensible set of laws to improve our health care and criminal justice systems and ensure better outcomes for communities.”
The text of the bill, HF 4632, can be found here.
