Bipartisan and bicameral Minnesota lawmakers will hold their first conference committee meeting on Friday to begin resolving differences between House and Senate versions of a bill to legalize marijuana for adult use. The bill has been making its way through various committees in both chambers over the past few months, with supporters optimistic about its chances of passing before the legislative session ends.
As a new poll shows strong majority support for legalization in Minnesota, bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers held their first conference committee meeting on Friday to begin reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The poll, conducted by the Minnesota House of Representatives, found that 60% of Minnesota support legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota House on Tuesday passed a 300-page bill that would allow adults 21 and older to buy, sell and use marijuana for recreational purposes. The bill includes provisions for regulating the industry, taxing sales, and expunging certain marijuana-related criminal records. The Senate version of the bill, which passed last month, is similar but includes some differences in how taxes would be collected and how marijuana-related convictions would be expunged.
In a major sign of momentum for legalization of adult-use marijuana, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill Friday that sets up a structure for regulating and taxing the industry. The bill passed with bipartisan support, with some Republicans joining Democrats in voting yes. The bill now heads to conference committee, where lawmakers will work to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.
At each committee stop, a small group of people representing truckers, addiction advocates and law enforcement squeeze in concerns among the supporters of legalizing marijuana. They worry about impaired drivers, addiction rates and the impact on public safety. Supporters argue that regulation and taxation will help address these issues, and that legalization will provide economic benefits to the state.
The bill to make marijuana legal is down to its final few committees ahead of pivotal votes in the Minnesota Legislature. Supporters are optimistic about its chances of passing, but opponents remain vocal in their concerns about the potential negative consequences of legalization. Lawmakers will have to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a final decision.
Another Minnesota Senate committee has approved a bill to legalize marijuana—marking one of the final stops in the chamber on its long path to passage. The bill includes provisions for regulating the industry, taxing sales and expunging certain marijuana-related criminal records. It now heads to the Senate floor for a vote, where supporters are hopeful it will receive bipartisan support.
A bill to legalize marijuana in Minnesota is heading to a floor vote after clearing its final House committee stop on Monday. The bill includes provisions for regulating the industry, taxing sales and expunging certain marijuana-related criminal records. Supporters are optimistic about its chances of passing, but opponents remain vocal in their concerns about the potential negative consequences of legalization.
After a three hour debate late Monday, the Minnesota House is expected to pass a bill Tuesday legalizing marijuana, and the Senate is expected to follow suit shortly thereafter. The bill includes provisions for regulating the industry, taxing sales and expunging certain marijuana-related criminal records. Supporters say it will provide economic benefits to the state and help address issues related to addiction and public safety. Opponents remain concerned about the potential negative consequences of legalization.
