Lawmakers Present Proposal to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

The recreational use of marijuana would be legalized, under a proposal outlined by Senator Melisa Franzen, DFL-Edina, Senator Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, and Representative Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley. The bipartisan group of lawmakers appeared at a State Capitol news conference Monday, January 28, the same day the bills, SF 619 and HF 420, were officially introduced.

Specifically, the measures would legalize the use of cannabis with the goal of eliminating the black market sales of the drug. The bills would require users to be 21 years of age and would establish that marijuana sales include warnings about the harms of consumption. Furthermore, the proposal would require a study on the potency level and dosage for safe driving.

Senate bill sponsor Melissa Franzen said that when asked why she is carrying the bill, she responded, "Because it makes sense, and the time has come to have this important conversation."

Senator Scott Jensen, who is a family practitioner, said, "The ship has sailed," with respect to debating the issue. "Fears should not stop us from having this discussion, " he said.

In a released statement, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka stated, "Senate Republicans are focused on reducing health care costs, supporting mental health care, and passing a balanced budget. Legalizing recreational marijuana is a controversial issue, to say the least, and not something I would consider a priority issue. Considering that it's linked to mental health problems, driving accidents, and impaired teen brain development, I don't think it has a chance to pass the Senate this year."