Minnesota lawmakers are weighing their options to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis in the state as House Majority Leader Rep. Ryan Winkler kicks off a tour of 15 communities to discuss the issue.
Winkler announced his “Be Heard on Cannabis” tour Aug. 29 in front of the Farmers Union building at the State Fair, according to a Duluth News Tribune report. The first three town-hall style discussions will be held in Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Cloud in September and October.
Winkler has said he will author a legalization bill in the state’s next legislative session, according to a CBS Minnesota report, in an effort that is backed by Gov. Tim Walz, who campaigned on the issue. Last week, Walz ordered state agencies to prepare to handle legal cannabis revenue, law enforcement and regulation, according to CBS Minnesota.
Democrats control the Minnesota House but not the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka remains opposed to legalization, CBS Minnesota reported. The Senate rejected a legalization bill earlier this year that would have established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and retail sale of cannabis starting in 2022.
The entire Minnesota House and Senate are up for re-election in 2020.
