State of Minnesota Archives: on Drugs

Erin Murphy: Establish rules for medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical cannabis therapeutic research.

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Murphy voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 May 9, 2014

Erin Murphy: Voted YES on legalizing medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:

Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks. Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Erin Murphy voted YES; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97 May 18, 2009

Heather Johnson: Release prisoners convicted of marijuana possession

Q: Do you support the legalization of marijuana?

A: Not only would I support the legalization of marijuana, I would support any legislation that would decriminalize it. People who are in prison for marijuana would be released and have their records expunged. Obviously if they harmed somebody in a drug crime they would still need to pay for that, but the marijuana offenses would not hold.

Q: Do you have any lasting concerns about the regulatory and safety of marijuana?

A: Some people are calling for it to be legalized and regulated so it can be taxed. I have concerns about the FDA being involved in pharmaceuticals, if people are harmed you never see any reparations or repairs. Legalization would create jobs and boost the economy. I'm not in favor of excessive regulation of any business; let people vote with their dollars.

Source: News Examiner Q&A on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Aug 11, 2014

Ilhan Omar: Supports cannabis legalization

Legalizing recreational cannabis nationwide would benefit both our economy and criminal justice system. We cannot move towards this goal without expunging the records and seeking amnesty for those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Source: CBS Minnesota on 2018 Congress MN-5 election Sep 10, 2018

Jason Lewis: Allow states to decide on marijuana legalization

Q: Legalize marijuana?

Jason Lewis: Can legalize state by state, not federally. Supports states' rights to determine their marijuana policies without federal interference.

Tina Smith: Yes. Introduced a bill this year to legalize marijuana for recreational use nationwide.

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Minnesota Senate race Oct 10, 2020

Jim Abeler: No legalized medical marijuana

Jim Abeler voted Nay on Passage of SF 97.

Legislative title:Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Legislative summary:Vote to legalize marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.

Allows a qualifying patient to receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana
Defines a primary caregiver as a person of at least 18 years who assists no more than five qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana
Retains the use of marijuana solely for terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness
Allows issuing ID cards to qualifying patients, enabling them to purchase marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries
Requires that a licensed practitioner sign a written certification for a qualifying patient recommending the medical use of marijuana
Defines a registered organization as a nonprofit entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that provides marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients and caregivers.

Source: Minnesota House voting records (Votesmart synopses) May 18, 2009

Jim Abeler: Voted NO on legalizing medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:

Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Jim Abeler voted NO; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97 May 18, 2009

Jim Newberger: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Newberger voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 May 9, 2014

Jim Newberger: Marijuana is a gateway drug

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?

A: Agree

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate Mar 15, 2018

Karin Housley: Focus opioid resources on prevention, treatment, & education

The number of Minnesotans who succumbed to drug overdoses rose from 129 to 637 between 2000 and 2016. In 2016 alone, 395 deaths and more than 2,000 hospitalizations were directly tied to opiate abuse.

"What we really need to focus our resources on is prevention, treatment and education," Housley said. "I think that would go a long way toward stopping the epidemic across the country."

Citing personal experience with a family member, as well as speaking with constituents across Minnesota, she said it requires a wholesale effort from the state to Congress, educating kids in second grade on the issue all the way up to maintaining the kind of treatment facilities people who are addicted need.

She noted Adult & Teen Challenge as a particularly effective program she would like to see emulated in other areas.

Source: Brainerd Dispatch: 2017-8 Minnesota Special Senate Election Jul 31, 2018

Karin Housley: Legalize limited forms of medical marijuana

Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Smith: Learn from experience of states that have legalized recreational.

Housley: States should decide. Voted to "legalize limited forms of medical marijuana," but "needs to be more research on marijuana's efficacy."

Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide Nov 1, 2018

Lori Swanson: Joined with other AG's to investigate opioid manufacturers

Over 30K people will die from opioid-related overdoses this year in the U.S.A.

The USA has less than 5% of the world's population but uses 80% of the world's prescription opioid painkillers. People who abuse prescription painkillers often turn to street heroin because of its lower cost. I have joined with a number of other AG's in an investigation into the potential legal culpability of pharmaceutical manufacturers in the marketing and sale of opioid prescription painkillers.

Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com Jul 4, 2018

Mark Dayton: Strengthen the fight against illegal drugs

We need to increase the number of prosecutors and strengthen the fight against illegal drugs and help addicts stay clean. Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire Jul 2, 2000

Mark Dayton: Greatest threat to national security is flood of drugs

Dayton suggested the U.S. should redirect military spending to more sharply focus on the United States. "I think we need a much stronger patrolling of our border by our armed forces," he said. "The greatest threat to our national security today is the flood of drugs coming into our country." Source: [X-ref Defense] Minnesota Public Radio on-line Oct 2, 2000

Mark Dayton: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 May 29, 2014

Matt Dean: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Matt Dean voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 May 9, 2014

Matt Dean: Voted NO on legalizing medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:

Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Matt Dean voted NO; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97 May 18, 2009

Michelle Benson: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 Apr 24, 2014

Mike Murphy: Possibly legalize marijuana to raise state funds

Murphy said he would not cut funding for social programs. He suggested legalizing sports betting and possibly marijuana, "if done correctly," to support spending priorities. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune: 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial race Feb 6, 2021

Mike Murphy: More accessible licensing for substance abuse counselors

Mike is proposing more accessible licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors. Many aspiring counselors are former addicts who may not have a bachelor's degree. If people are willing to assist with our substance abuse and mental health crisis, they should be permitted to do so as long as they meet reasonable, formal training requirements and take steps to maintain their licensure. Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com Feb 16, 2021

Paul Gazelka: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; State Sen. Paul Gazelka voted NO; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 Apr 24, 2014

Paula Overby: Marijuana isn't a gateway drug

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?

A: Oppose--There is no evidence to support that as any meaningful concern. The war on drugs is a vehicle for authoritarian agendas and corporate control of the prescription drug industry.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate May 13, 2018

Pete Stauber: Does not support the legalization of marijuana

Stauber does not support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes, pointing to a desire to keep all drugs away from Minnesota's youth. Source: MPR Minnesota voter guide: 2018 Congressional MN-8 election Oct 10, 2018

Rebecca Otto: War on drugs is a failure

The war on drugs was a failed policy with racial and political undertones and must end. Criminalizing small drug offenses and mental health challenges has overwhelmed our prison system and destroyed families and lives. Rebecca wants to decriminalize all small drug offenses. The evidence shows that drug and alcohol use is best approached as a public health issue versus a criminal justice issue. Source: 2018 Minnesota Gubernatorial website RebeccaOtto.com Nov 1, 2017

Tim Walz: Full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Jeff Johnson (R): Supports medical marijuana but opposed to legalizing recreational.

Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana for adults.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Scott Jensen: Expunge prior convictions for small amounts of marijuana

As a medical professional Dr. Scott Jensen has seen the benefit of medical cannabis. Our State has had a program since 2015 and Dr. Jensen fully supports it. As Governor he will be an advocate to increase the number of distribution centers, ease restrictions on the ability to prescribe, and allow more providers to better serve the pain management needs in our state.

Dr Scott Jensen believes it is time for expungement for prior convictions of small amounts of marijuana. Individuals with past criminal convictions can face difficulty acquiring and maintaining employment, attending college, and engaging in other activities. In some cases, this hardship can lead to other crime and recidivism. Dr. Jensen believes it is time to end the cycle and expunge these minor infractions that cause greater harm than good.

Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website DrScottJensen.com Dec 30, 2021

Tim Pawlenty: Legalizing marijuana is unneeded & unwise

Pawlenty opposed a 2006 bill in the Minnesota Legislature that would have legalized marijuana for limited medical uses, calling it an "unneeded and unwise" proposal. Source: Sam`s Club Republican, p.65, Minnesota Voting Records AB740 May 10, 2010

Tim Pawlenty: Vetoed legalizing medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:

Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97 May 22, 2009

Tina Liebling: War on drugs failed; end prohibition & use pot responsibly

The war on drugs has failed--costing Minnesota taxpayers too much and destroying too many lives. It's time to remove the prohibition on personal use of cannabis and treat addiction as an illness, not a crime.

Cannabis is not harmless, but prohibition of cannabis has not worked and has also caused many unintended, harmful consequences. Minnesotans spend perhaps $700 million per year on illegal cannabis, which they buy without knowing the purity of what they buy. Cannabis prohibition also contributes to racial disparities in our state as it fills expensive prison beds with people who do not belong there. Without prohibition we could do a better job keeping cannabis away from children and educating our population on how to use it responsibly and with regard to the rights of others.

Minnesotans should have the opportunity to decide whether to legalize personal use of cannabis under a careful system of regulation and taxation. Law enforcement should have a voice on drug policy, but never a veto.

Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com May 2, 2017

Tina Liebling: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
"Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
"Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.

Legislative Outcome: Rep. Tina Liebling voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 May 9, 2014

Tina Liebling: Voted YES on legalizing medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:

Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Tina Liebling voted YES; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97 May 18, 2009

Tina Smith: Learn from states that have legalized recreational

Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Smith: Learn from experience of states that have legalized recreational.

Housley: States should decide. Voted to "legalize limited forms of medical marijuana," but "needs to be more research on marijuana's efficacy."

Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide Nov 1, 2018

Tim Walz: Treatment options for fentanyl addiction & opioid crisis

Opioid overdose deaths, along other substance-related deaths, have increased significantly over the past two decades. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 54 overdose deaths in 2000, and 678 in 2020. In Minnesota, Native Americans and African Americans are twice as likely to die from opioid-related overdoses than white people.

Despite the deadly consequences of substance use, only one in ten people with a substance use disorder receives treatment. To prevent more tragic deaths, we must do more to combat substance use and educate and provide treatment to all those who need it.

In 2019, I signed the Opiate Epidemic Response bill: Minnesota now raises funds from prescribers, drug manufacturers, and distributors to fight the opioid crisis.

The Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction Subcabinet is established.
The purpose of the Subcabinet is to identify opportunities that support access to treatment options or addiction-related services.

Source: Minnesota voting records: Executive Order 22-07 Apr 7, 2022

Amy Klobuchar: Rated B by NORML: legalize marijuana, but leave it to states

NORML Politician Info:

Candidate: Amy Klobuchar (D - MN)
Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, & REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE
Biography: In the 10th Democratic Debate, Senator Klobuchar said, "It is realistic to want to legalize marijuana. I want to do that too. I also think you need to look back at people's records. You maybe can't do that on day one, as he said. I think you want a process that you go through because there are too many people that have things on their records that stopped them from getting jobs." The senator went on to say that legalization should be coupled with investments in substance misuse treatment. However, as a Senator, she has not cosponsored any of the bills pending to end federal prohibition.
Comments: "I support the legalization of marijuana and believe that states should have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders," (February 22, 2019).

Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Minnesota Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Steve Carlson: Rated B+ by NORML on marijuana reform

NORML Politician Info:

Candidate: Steve Carlson (D - MN): Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
Position on Marijuana Legalization: Says he supports the legalization of marijuana and to release anyone serving jail time solely for drug offenses. From his campaign site.

Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Minnesota Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Jim Abeler: Don't legalize and regulate the sale of adult-use cannabis

HF100: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune analysis, August 9, 2023: Gov. Tim Walz signed into law a sweeping 321-page bill�to legalize marijuana in Minnesota following months of debate in the Legislature.� It legalizes the possession and use of marijuana for Minnesotans 21 and older. It creates a new state agency, called the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), overseeing a legal recreational market, as well as the existing medical cannabis and hemp-derived markets. Minnesotans are allowed to possess or transport in public up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates, and edible cannabis products containing up to a total of 800 milligrams of THC; and possess up to 2 pounds of marijuana in their homes.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 73-57-4 on May/18; passed Senate 34-32-1 on May/19/23; Sen. Jim Abeler voted NO; Signed by Gov. Walz on May/30.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota voting records HF100 May 19, 2023

Karin Housley: Don't legalize and regulate the sale of adult-use cannabis

HF100: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 73-57-4 on May/18; passed Senate 34-32-1 on May/19/23; Sen. Karin Housley voted NO; Signed by Gov. Walz on May/30.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota voting records HF100 May 19, 2023

Kelly Morrison: Legalize and regulate the sale of recreational cannabis

HF100: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 73-57-4 on May/18; passed Senate 34-32-1 on May/19/23; Sen.Kelly Morrison voted YES; Signed by Gov. Walz on May/30.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota voting records HF100 May 19, 2023

Tim Walz: Signed legalization & regulation of recreational cannabis

HF100: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune analysis, August 9, 2023: Gov. Tim Walz signed into law a sweeping 321-page bill�to legalize marijuana in Minnesota following months of debate in the Legislature.� It legalizes the possession and use of marijuana for Minnesotans 21 and older. It creates a new state agency, called the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), overseeing a legal recreational market, as well as the existing medical cannabis and hemp-derived markets. Minnesotans are allowed to possess or transport in public up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates, and edible cannabis products containing up to a total of 800 milligrams of THC. They may also possess up to 2 pounds of marijuana in their homes.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 73-57-4 on May/18/23; passed Senate 34-32-1 on May/19/23; Signed by Governor Tim Walz on May/30/23

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota voting records HF100 May 30, 2023

Tina Liebling: Legalize and regulate the sale of recreational cannabis

HF100: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 73-57-4 on May/18; Rep. Tina Liebling voted YES; passed Senate 34-32-1 on May/19/23; Signed by Gov. Walz on May/30.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota voting records HF100 May 18, 2023

Angie Craig: Hold social media companies accountable for drug sales

I wrote and introduced the bipartisan, Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act, to hold social media companies accountable for drug sales on their platform, and require they alert law enforcement of any sale of illicit drugs. This bill is named after Hastings, MN teen Devin Norring, who died after buying a pill he thought would treat his migraines on Snapchat that was pure fentanyl. The goal of this bill is to aid law enforcement in their efforts to end the opioid epidemic and save lives. Source: 2026 Minnesota Senate campaign website craig.house.gov Apr 29, 2025

Tina Smith: Remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act

Marijuana should be removed from the Controlled Substances Act altogether, not just moved to a lower, lesser-policed classification, leading Democratic senators told federal law enforcement authorities in a letter. "Cannabis should be entirely de-scheduled," seven senators wrote, in part, in their Aug. 2 letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"We recognize and appreciate DEA's effort to address the flaws in our current marijuana policy by using its authority under the CSA and following the scientific and medical evidence to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III drug," the letter continues. "We urge DEA to finalize the rule."

Cory Booker, D-NJ
Ron Wyden, D-OR
Tina Smith, D-MN
Ben Ray Lujan, D-NM
Patty Murray, D-WA
Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY

Source: MJBizDaily on 2026 Minnesota Senate race Aug 5, 2024

Jeff Johnson 2018: Medical marijuana ok but not recreational

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Jeff Johnson (R): Supports medical marijuana but opposed to legalizing recreational.

Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana for adults.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Angie Craig: Wasted hundred of billions enforcing antiquated drug laws

Reps. Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar have become cosponsors on a bill that would decriminalize cannabis, striking marijuana from the list of controlled substances and investing in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. "For decades, the United States has wasted hundreds of billions of dollars enforcing antiquated drug laws that do not make our communities any safer or more secure--while targeting communities of color in a particularly unjust and prejudiced manner," Craig said. Source: MINNPOST on 2026 Minnesota Senate race Jul 8, 2021

Mike Lindell: Support programs that successfully address addition issues

Address Addiction & Public Safety: Minnesota deserves a governor who will stand for you to support programs that successfully address addition issues to give people hope and a future, while also supporting our law enforcement officers who go to bat for us every day. Source: 2026 Minnesota Governor campaign website MikeLindellGov.com Dec 24, 2025

Scott Jensen: Legalization rollout involved picking winners and losers

The 2023 legalization legislation mandated that for a year and a half, only Indian reservations could obtain licenses. The legislation provides millions of dollars in grants and loans to start weed shops based on wokeness and DEI. "The Walz team has repeatedly been characterized by a willingness to play political hardball by picking winners and losers, focusing on preserving voting blocks, rewarding loyalty over competence, ignoring employee input, and squashing transparency," Jensen told me. Source: FOX News, "Botched," on 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial race Dec 11, 2025

The above quotations are from State of Minnesota Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Drugs. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*2024 Presidential contenders on Drugs:*
	*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026