Cannabis in Minnesota
Adult-use cannabis was legalized via legislation in 2023.
A medical cannabis program was legalized by legislation in 2014.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the SAFER Banking Act of 2023, which would ensure that all businesses – including State-sanctioned cannabis businesses – have access to deposit accounts, insurance and other financial services.
- Co-Sponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2023, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- When asked if she would support expunging or pardoning past marijuana convictions, Klobuchar said: “Yes, I would. I think it’s really important to look at it as a way of making changes to our drug policy and doing the right thing.” (2020)
- In a statement released by her presidential campaign, Sen. Klobuchar declared her support for legalizing cannabis. (2019)
- Cosponsored the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, and end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
Sen. Tina Smith - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the SAFER Banking Act of 2023, which would ensure that all businesses – including State-sanctioned cannabis businesses – have access to deposit accounts, insurance and other financial services.
- Co-Sponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2023, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Introduced the Substance Regulation & Safety Act of 2020, which would end the federal prohibition of marijuana, empower the FDA to regulate marijuana products, devote resources to preventing youth drug use and more. (2020)
- Tweeted: “It’s time we federally legalize marijuana. I’ve introduced legislation that would deschedule cannabis, retroactively clear thousands of criminal offenses, and regulate to protect the health, safety, and civil rights of communities.” (2020)
- Said: “The federal prohibition on marijuana is a failed policy that contributes to mass incarceration and the racist overpolicing of communities of color. It is time to end that policy. In addition to addressing the harmful and racist legacy of the War on Drugs by passing bills like Senator Harris’ Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, we must address marijuana legalization in a manner that ensures that cannabis and cannabis products are safe, regulated, and well-researched.” (2020)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a 5% tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Hemp Farming Bill of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-1) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
Rep. Angie Craig (MN-2) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-Sponsored the Safe Banking Act of 2023, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a 5% tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Quote: “I support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes for people 21 and over. This should be taxed and regulated.” (2018)
- Said she supports releasing people who have been convicted of non-violent drug crimes from prison. (2018)
Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-3) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the MORE Act of 2023, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
- Co-Sponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2023, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a 5% tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Quote: “Cannabis should be removed from the Federal list of Schedule I substances and its regulation, distribution and taxation should be left to the states. Thirty-one states already allow cannabis for medicinal purposes and an additional nine have legalized it for recreational use. I oppose the Administration’s change in policy that will allow the federal government to take action against these states.” (2018)
Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the MORE Act of 2023, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2019, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level. (2018)
- Cosponsored the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, and end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. (2018)
- Cosponsored the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level. (2017)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Act of 2017, which would allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2017)
- Cosponsored the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2017)
- Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Cosponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015, which would have ended the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2014)
Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-5) - D
Supports Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Co-sponsored the MORE Act of 2023, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
- Voted in favor of The Medical Marijuana Research Act, which would remove some barriers to medical cannabis research and allow researchers to use dispensary grade cannabis. (2022)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2022)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted in favor of the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Cosponsored the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a 5% tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Cosponsored the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition, and penalize states that continue to disproportionately arrest people of color and low-income individuals for cannabis-related crimes.
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Quote: “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.” (2018)
- Rep. Omar’s campaign website reads: “Legalize recreational cannabis nationwide, expunge the records and seek amnesty for those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.” (2018)
Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-6) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2015)
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted against the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Rep. Fischbach told the iVoterGuide she strongly disagrees with the legalization of recreational marijuana. (2020)
- When asked about what kind of COVID-19 economic relief she supports, Fischbach said: “I would not support the kind of garbage that Collin Peterson voted for like funding for recreational marijuana shops and stimulus checks for illegal immigrants.” (2020)
- Voted against a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Minnesota, saying: “It’s an addictive substance and it’s illegal for a reason. If the people are serious about it, go back to the drawing board, and work with law enforcement.” (2014)
Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-8) - R
Does Not Support Federal Legalization
- Expunge Past Cannabis Convictions
- Reinvest In Communities Most Impacted By The War On Drugs
- Allow States To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
- Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2021)
- Voted against the MORE Act, which would end the prohibition of cannabis at the federal level, expunge low-level cannabis convictions, and levy a tax on cannabis sales to fund grants for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. (2020)
- Voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which allows banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
- Voted against preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting cannabis users and businesses in states where recreational cannabis is legal. (2019)
- Quote: “I have seen firsthand the devastating affects of the opioid crisis during my 22 years as a police officer with the city of Duluth. I have had to deliver death notifications to unsuspecting parents and it has shaped my opinion on legalization of drugs. My job as a police officer was to protect my citizens and get all drugs off our streets and out of the hands of our youngest and brightest, which includes marijuana.” (2018)
Gov. Tim Walz - D
Supports Adult Use Legalization In Their State
- In response to President Biden’s cannabis policy announcement in October 2022, Governor Walz’s office said: “The Governor supports the President’s decision and has advanced marijuana legalization in Minnesota. Because pardons in Minnesota require a unanimous vote by the Board of Pardons, the Governor does not have the ability to take unilateral action.” (2022)
- Governor Walz tweeted: “Federal pardons for marijuana possession are a critical step forward, but Minnesotans want us to #LegalizeMN and expunge cannabis possession convictions. It’s time.” (2022)
-
Governor Walz tweeted: “It’s time to legalize adult-use cannabis and expunge cannabis convictions in Minnesota.“ (2022)
-
Governor Walz included the legalization of adult-use cannabis in his proposed 2022 State Budget, saying: “the prohibition of marijuana hasn’t worked for Minnesota, and the state should instead seek to harness its economic benefits and allow law enforcement to focus on violent crime.” (2022)
-
Denounced lawmakers who kept the legislature from debating recreational cannabis legalization during the 2019 legislative session. (2019)
- Endorsed legalizing recreational cannabis and expunging past cannabis-related convictions. (2018)
- Quote, in reference to cannabis legalization: “This system would include investments in youth education, proper testing of all marijuana products, and a regulatory structure that puts controls on growing, distribution and sales… We have an opportunity in Minnesota to replace the current failed policy with one that creates tax revenue, grows jobs, builds opportunities for Minnesotans, protects Minnesota kids, and trusts adults to make personal decisions based on their personal freedoms.” (2018)
- Introduced the VA Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018, which would have authorized the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research on medical cannabis. (2018)
- Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
- Cosponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015, which would have ended the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical marijuana patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting marijuana users and businesses in states where recreational marijuana is legal. (2015)
- Voted in favor of preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate marijuana businesses. (2014)
TAKE ACTION IN MINNESOTA
REGISTER TO VOTE IN MINNESOTA
Your vote can help influence cannabis policy! Register now to make sure your voice is heard.
