Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn.

Medical marijuana bill clears Minn. Senate

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Illegal? Maybe not.
Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but some severely ill patients say smoking pot is the only way to relieve their symptoms. Minnesota would become the 13th state to approve the drug for medical use if the bill became law.
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

(AP) - The Minnesota Senate has backed legislation that would allow medical marijuana use for seriously ill patients.

The 36-28 vote defied party lines, drawing support and opposition from both the GOP and DFL.

The issue pits those suffering or dying from cancer, AIDS and other diseases against worries from law enforcement that easing marijuana regulations would lead to more crime and drug abuse.

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has given those concerns as his reason for opposing the bill.

The House is expected to weigh in this session.

Even as the Senate debated marijuana, the House was talking about liquor.

The House amended a liquor bill to require the University of Minnesota to sell alcoholic beverages throughout its new football stadium, not just to premium ticketholders.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Gallery
1 of 1
Illegal? Maybe not for long
Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but some severely ill patients say smoking pot is the only way to relieve their symptoms. Minnesota would become the 13th state to approve the drug for medical use if the bill became law.
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images