Recreational Marijuana
Removing the criminal stigma of purchasing and using marijuana in social situations has been adopted in many states. In Minnesota, we have one of the strictest policies regarding "medical marijuana" and each year additional prescribed uses are added to the law and regulation. In the past I have opposed relaxing the policy regarding social use of so -called "recreational marijuana. " I have over the last several months, however, revised that position and believe that the best way to evaluate the effects of marijuana use by consumers is to allow it under mostly the same regulations as alcohol. Although the product will be generally a taxed product, for me the more compelling argument is that we can begin to support scientific and unbiased university level research, not allowed at present by NIH, which funds most health related research. I also believe that adoption by more and more states could lead to the federal government recognizing this change in policy as a reasonable one With such research we may find no serious threats to health or we may find serious implications for health. Consumers will have good information on which to base their choices, just as they do for alcohol and tobacco. I have no specific legislation in mind, but am willing to consider a variety of proposals in the 2019 Legislative session. September 14, 2018