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?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Medical marijuana bill moving in Senate

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

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

Legislation to legalize medical marijuana has cleared another hurdle in the Minnesota Senate.

Members of the State and Local Government Committee advanced the bill today on a divided voice vote.

Unlike previous hearings, the panel focused most of its attention on non-medical aspects of the bill, such as implementation and oversight.

Minnesota Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Aggie Leitheiser  raised concerns about getting rules for medical marijuana use in place as quickly as the bill calls for.

“The timeline for this implementation is very ambitious," she said. "The Department of Health is directed to start issuing cards by July 1, 2015. That date assumes that all the associated development work, such as the rule making, IT development, hiring, reviewing and scoring the applications, etc., will be done in time to begin that process on July 1.”

But Sen. Branden Petersen, R-Andover, said he heard “no compelling reason” for not moving forward with legalization.

“I wholeheartedly support this bill, and I plan to vote for it," he said. "Fundamentally, this bill grants more authority for doctors and patients to make health care decisions that best fit their needs, and that’s what this is all about.”

The medical marijuana bill now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a hearing is scheduled Wednesday. There’s been no recent activity with the House version of the bill.