In the past week, two committees in the Minnesota Legislature approved HF 600, which would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older! This is the first time ever that a Minnesota legislative committee has approved legalization.

Check out Sensible Change MN’s comprehensive 2020 voter guide. With Election Day less than two months away, Minnesota voters have an opportunity to usher in a new legislature that will put an end to the state’s senseless war on cannabis. While House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D) has championed legalization, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R) has said his caucus is strongly opposed and that legalization would not pass the Senate under his control. Senate leaders even stood in the way of…

Make sure you’re registered to vote, so you can help elect a better legislature next year. Yesterday was the last day of Minnesota’s legislative session, and, sadly, important cannabis policy reforms fell short. An array of legalization proposals died without receiving floor votes, including House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler’s 222-page bill. HF 4632 reflected extensive input from stakeholders and a statewide listening tour. Rep. Winkler had intended to pass it through the House this year, but…

Urge your Minnesota legislators to support cannabis legalization. On Tuesday, Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D) introduced his long-awaited legislation to legalize and regulate cannabis in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The comprehensive bill — which Winkler deemed “the best legalization bill in the country” — reflects stakeholder input, including from his "Be Heard on Cannabis" tour over the fall and winter, and from organizations including MPP. It currently has 33 cosponsors. Coming…

Urge the governor to allow home delivery of cannabis. Gov. Tim Walz (D) has taken important steps to preserve safe access to medical cannabis during this time of social distancing. Medical cannabis businesses have been allowed to remain open during the stay-at-home order. By executive order, the governor is permitting curbside pickup and telemedicine, and he has pushed back expiration dates on patient certifications and is allowing temporary caregivers. While we commend the governor for these important…

Urge your elected officials to support this cost-reducing measure! Minnesota’s 2020 legislative session is underway, and several cannabis-related bills have been introduced. While we are still eagerly awaiting House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler’s bill to legalize and regulate cannabis, another important bill needs your support. SF4255 would improve the medical cannabis program, including by allowing patients to vaporize cannabis in its natural, flower form. Ask your state senator and representative…

Write your legislators and sign up for MRMR’s February 18 lobby day! Lawmakers convened in Saint Paul today for the first day of their 2020 legislative session. It’s the perfect time to let your legislators know you want them to help end the disastrous war on marijuana. Help create a groundswell of support: 1. Write your lawmakers. You can use our free software to email your legislators in support of replacing marijuana prohibition with legalization and regulation for adults 21 and older. 2.…

At long last, Minnesota plans to include chronic pain in its medical cannabis program. Unless the legislature overturns the Department of Health’s recent decision, chronic pain will be a qualifying condition for medical cannabis beginning in August 2020. The department also approved adding macular degeneration, effective next August. Qualifying patients must register with the state and submit a medical professional’s certification to access the program. While “intractable pain” has been included…

Rochester conversation scheduled for Saturday, December 7 House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler’s “Be Heard on Cannabis” community conversations are in full swing, giving Minnesotans a chance to weigh in on how to replace cannabis prohibition with sensible regulation. At the end of the process, Rep. Winkler plans to introduce a bill to legalize and regulate cannabis in Minnesota and shepherd it through the House. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates, to take part and add your voice to the…

Mid-November community conversations planned in Eden Prairie, Eagan, and Monkato This fall, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler is leading "Be Heard on Cannabis" community conversations across Minnesota to explore how to replace cannabis prohibition with sensible regulation. At the end of the process, Rep. Winkler plans to introduce a bill to legalize and regulate cannabis in Minnesota and shepherd it through the House. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates, to take part and add your voice…