Minnesota measure would legalize marijuana by 2022

Minnesotans over 21 would could buy and use marijuana legally by 2022 as part of a proposal that would give the state significant power and oversight of a recreational cannabis program.

The state would regulate all aspects of the local marijuana industry, enforcing health and safety regulations and controlling everything from testing to labeling requirements.

The measure is Minnesota’s most expansive recreational marijuana proposal to date, requiring a study of the health effects and imposing significant restrictions on marketing to teens.

Sen. Melisa Franzen, DFL-Edina, the chief sponsor in the Senate, said the goal is to closely regulate the product and then minimize health consequences.

“What we tried to do is have all the buckets or areas that this issue touches on … from schools, public health, public safety, to health care, everything, and try to have a comprehensive, holistic approach of what this would look like and not take it piecemeal,” Franzen said.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, dismissed the idea, particularly the notion that the state could effectively mitigate health and safety consequences. He cited critics’ concerns over substance abuse increases, as well as effects on health and public safety. [Read More @ Minneapolis Star & Tribune]