'Pot Is Not Dangerous' Says Minneapolis Mayor Ahead Of Minnesota Vote On Cannabis Legalization

Minnesota Senate is scheduled to vote on a cannabis legalization measure, SF 37, Friday, several days after the Minnesota House passed a companion version of the bill, HF 100.

As both marijuana-related measures advance through the legislature putting the state one step closer to becoming the 23rd in the union to legalize recreational marijuana, the Minneapolis mayor is calling it a “long overdue step that needs to take place.” 

In an interview on Wednesday, Mayor Jacob Frey told WCCO that he’s been supporting marijuana reform throughout his political career.

"First of all, it's just not that big of a deal and secondly there are a ton of people that have gotten in a boatload of trouble simply for carrying a joint," Frey said, as reported by CBS News.

"People talk about the fact that pot is not dangerous - and it's not. You need to make sure that it's properly regulated, you need to make sure you know what people are ingesting. That's always the case," Frey continued. "I'll tell you what is dangerous is if you get busted for a joint and you spend a bunch of time behind bars for it."

THC Edibles Challenges And Expungements 

It is important to note that last May, Democratic governor Tim Wals signed the legislation allowing up to 5 mg of hemp-derived THC to be legally sold in edibles and drinks to those 21 and older. While the Board of Pharmacy was tasked with regulating cannabis edibles products, its new executive director Jill Phillips expressed concern at the time that the board may not be ready for it. Challenges around THC edibles are one more reason why large-scale cannabis regulation is much needed in the state. 

The differences between the House and Senate bills are planned to be worked out in a conference committee before one single bill reaches the governor, who is expected to sign it.

If the measure becomes law, adult-use cannabis possession will be legal starting August 1, 2023. Furthermore, the bill would also automatically expunge low-level cannabis convictions and set up an expungement board to be in charge of felony offenses, which is according to Frey an “important change.”

"We need to make sure that ultimately we've got a system in place where it is thoughtful, it's responsible, it is regulated, but yes, it's legalized," he said.

House bill, sponsored by Zack Stephenson (D) aims to establish a new state Office of Cannabis Management to regulate and oversee the market. The Senate version of the bill is coming from Sen. Lindsey Port (D).

Photo: Benzinga edit with photos by jay stonne on Unsplash and Jacob Frey via Wikimedia Commons