Minnesota: Two bills for medical and recreational cannabis

Minnesota's cannabis law is about to change. Deputies and Senators are expected to say «yes» this Monday to the use of flowers for medical purposes. And the House of Representatives also voted last week to legalize recreational cannabis, even though the Senate is expected to oppose it, scuppering the text.

Regarding the authorization of cannabis for therapeutic use, the 34,000 patients who were treated with medical cannabis could not buy flowers. They were therefore access only to capsules or liquids, The main problem is that they are very expensive.

«There are probably thousands of people who aren't registered in the medical cannabis program because they can't buy capsules or oils. With flowers, costs will surely halve.», appreciates Patrick McClellan, a patient interviewed by KSTP TV, a local chain. Minnesota medical cannabis is one of the most expensive in the United States. According to McClellan, «families spend $900 [approximately 740 euros]. per month, just to have access to the program.

Cannabis law stillborn

On the subject of recreational cannabis, the 134 members of the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 72 to 61 in favor of legalization. A small event in this midwest. This is the very first time such a vote has taken place. «The truth is that cannabis legalization is coming soon. And it's better to be early.», Ryan Winkler, the Democratic majority leader in the House.

Yet this recreational cannabis law is unlikely to apply to Minnesota's 5.6 million residents. Indeed, for it to apply, the House and Senate must give their approval. The former has already voted in favor... but it's largely dominated by Democrats. Visit Joe Biden's party has 75 seats, compared with 59 for the Republicans.

The Senate is a different kettle of fish. Visit Grand old party has the majority, with 34 of 67 seats. The law authorizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota has thus «no chance» to see the light of day, warns the Democratic majority leader in the Senate. Paul Gazelka goes even further, asserting that the text will «going up in smoke».