The Minnesota Senate has seen yet another committee pass a bill in favor of legalizing marijuana, which now makes seven committees who have moved the bill forward this session.
The bill from Sen. Lindsey Port (D) was approved through a voice vote by the Human Services Committee and its passing reflects the strong majority held by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party in both the House and Senate, as well as control over the governorship – leading many to believe that legalization will soon become a reality.
The governor’s proposed budget for 2024-2025 also included plans for covering marijuana legalization and expungement costs as well as estimated tax revenues expected post-legalization. During a recent interview Gov. Tim Walz (D) discussed his ambition for a tax rate on marijuana sales that is almost double of what is currently laid out in the bill, according to a report by Marijuana Moment.
Former Democratic Majority Leader Ryan Winkler wrote this updated version of the legislation, who now serves as campaign chairman for advocacy group MN is Ready. As an effort to get people on board with this proposed reform, last month saw MN is Ready launching a grassroots initiative and encouraging supporters to sign a petition in support of legalization alongside lawmakers and administration personnel.
