Mark Dayton on Drugs Democratic Governor; previously Senator

Opioid Stewardship Program: penny a pill, to fight addiction

"Every year, hundreds of Minnesotans lose their lives to opioid addiction. Since 2000, deaths caused by opioid overdoses in Minnesota have increased by 430 percent. We cannot allow this scourge to continue destroying lives and tearing our families apart.

"Over the last several years, the State of Minnesota greatly increased our efforts to address this crisis head-on. But we must do more, and we need significant new investments in public health efforts in order to be successful, and save lives. I will call on the Legislature to pass the Opioid Stewardship Program, which would require the pharmaceutical companies to contribute a penny a pill to help fund our attack on this epidemic."

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

Greatest threat to national security is flood of drugs

Strengthen the fight against illegal drugs

Rated C by NORML, indicating a mixed record on drug reform.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

• C-/D/F: "hard-on-drugs" stance (approx. 243 members)
• C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
• A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called "decriminalization."

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as "legalization."

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.