Should medicinal marijuana be legal in Minnesota?
A bill outlining how Minnesota could regulate medicinal marijuana is sparking debate in St Paul. This bill, brought forward by Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing, addresses some of the problems medical marijuana has encountered in 18 other states.
Melin said her bill "strikes the appropriate balance between compassion, health and safety."
Key provisions:
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Patients who are prescribed the drug would have to get a special identification card, which would carry a fee ranging from $25 to $100.
Card-carrying patients would be allowed to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana at a time.
Qualifying debilitating medical conditions include cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and other serious illnesses.
Gov. Mark Dayton is opposed to relaxing marijuana laws.
Rep. Bob Barrett, R-Lindstrom, said this bill will encourage recreational drug use, "The legalization of medical marijuana in Minnesota would only serve to make this gateway drug more accessible to our younger populations."
Today's Question: Should medicinal marijuana be legal in Minnesota?