ST. PAUL, Minn. – Democrats in both houses of the Legislature began the log rolling to legalize marijuana in Minnesota. The bills would create state regulation with adult-only access, somewhat akin to alcohol regulation. The bills’ primary authors:

> State Senator Lindsey Port, D-Burnsville.

> State Reresentative Zack Stephenson, D-Coon Rapids.

Legalization has support from Democratic Governor Tim Walz. Republican opposition is expected. Also, police agencies don’t like looser rules, seeing marijuana as a gateway to hard drugs.

Earlier: Walz: Let’s legalize marijuana; prohibition a failure

Earlier: Ex-gov Ventura: Walz ready to legalize marijuana

Earlier: Democrats score a blue wave in Minnesota

Verbatim

Stephenson: “Our bill creates a safe, well-regulated legal marketplace, including best practices for consumer protection, health, and public safety. It also includes a robust expungement program, so people who have disproportionately been caught in the criminal justice system due to cannabis can move on with their lives.”

Verbatim

Port: “Minnesotans have made it clear that they are ready to move forward with the legalization of adult-use cannabis. We have work to do in the Senate, but we are ready to have those robust discussions and pass this into law.”