![]() “While many Minnesotans are increasingly supportive of legalization of cannabis, this bill is not ready. Though it passed in the House earlier this week 73-57, with CNN affiliate WCCO reporting that five Republicans had voted in favor of the bill, state GOP lawmakers have largely opposed it. Since it was introduced in January, the legislation had been reviewed by more than a dozen committees before reaching the House floor. The bill jumped through many hoops before it passed both chambers of the state legislature. He does not expect licensed dispensaries for up to 18 months, and he noted that expunging “tens of thousands” of past cannabis convictions could take years to complete. While Stephenson said the regulatory and expungement efforts would begin once the law takes effect, he emphasized on Twitter that changes would not happen overnight. It is time for legalization, and I’m proud to carry this bill forward,” he added. It also prioritizes a robust expungement program, so people who have been disproportionately impacted by our current cannabis laws can move on with their lives. ![]() “This bill creates a safe, well-regulated legal marketplace, and includes best practices for consumer protection, health, and public safety. Zack Stephenson, the bill’s sponsor, said in a news release ahead of the final passage. “Over the last three years, DFLers in the legislature have worked and listened to build a Minnesota-specific model for cannabis legalization,” Democratic state Rep. The measure would also set up an Office of Cannabis Management, which would oversee the regulation and sale of cannabis products in the state. The bill would also give people with marijuana convictions a chance to clear their records by automatically expunging low-level convictions and establishing a review board to determine eligibility for higher-level offenses. Under the measure, Minnesota residents who are 21 years and older would be able to possess up to two ounces of marijuana flower in public and two pounds at home starting August 1. CNN has reached out to Walz’s office for comment. Walz has said he plans to sign the bill into law, which would make Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the third Midwestern state to do so. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, as the state Democratic outfit is known, controls both legislative chambers. The Minnesota Senate voted 34-32 early Saturday morning after the measure had cleared the state House with slim bipartisan support last week. ![]() Tim Walz for his signature after the state Senate gave the legislation its final stamp of approval following weeks of debate. ![]() A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota is on its way to Democratic Gov. ![]()
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