ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz confirmed that he’s talked with Democratic leadership in the Legislature about legalizing marijuana. One of the first bills he expects when the Legislature convenes in January will be to end the state’s prohibition on recreational marijuana. He will sign the bill, Walz said. “It just makes sense,” Walz said. “Prohibition didn’t work.” Since 2014 the state has permitted only physician-prescribed marijuana available at state-approved dispensaries for medicinal reasons. And since July the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been allowed in a weak drinkable or edible form – like gummies — if it’s derived from hemp rather than full-strength marijuana. Walz has long favored broadening availability for adults.
“Come on over, Jesse”
Walz said he will invite former Governor Jesse Ventura to a ceremony for the signing of a marijuana legalization bill that the new Legislature is expected to pass perhaps as early as January. “It’s only fair,” Walz said, noting Ventura championed the marijuana cause as governor from 1999 to 2003.