SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House approved legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis and expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. The bill, co-authored by Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL - Shakopee), passed on a bipartisan vote of 71-59.
“Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing disproportionate harm to our communities of color. Our bill recognizes that, and makes the necessary changes to establish equitable and responsible cannabis laws,” said Rep. Tabke. “We’re addressing legitimate concerns around the issue while ensuring we create a sensible system for adult-use cannabis - one where veterans can afford and access it for medicinal purposes, where it’s kept out of the hands of children, and where offenders of nonviolent cannabis crimes can have a fresh start.”
Once signed into law, Minnesota will become the 22nd state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the third state in the Midwest. Created with this bill is the Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee the regulation of cannabis, cannabis products, hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products.
This legislation provides for automatic expungement of prior petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor marijuana convictions and creates a Cannabis Expungement Board to review other cannabis convictions and determine whether a person is eligible for expungement.
This legislation directs the Department of Employment and Economic Development to give grants to nonprofit corporations to subsidize startup loans to new cannabis microbusinesses, and help cannabis businesses start and train employees
In 2020, Rep. Tabke hosted a “Be Heard of Cannabis” community event at the Shakopee VFW to hear from constituents on the issue, with a focus on the benefits of cannabis for veterans dealing with PTSD and chronic pain.
The bill is currently moving through the legislative process in the Minnesota Senate. You can view the debate on the House YouTube Channel.
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