Two more committee victories for Minnesota medical marijuana bill

Published: March 11, 2009

Victory! Yesterday, the Minnesota Senate Heath and Human Services Budget Division Committee voted 6-2 in favor of S.F. No. 97, which would protect seriously ill Minnesotans from the threat of arrest and jail for simply using their doctor-recommended medicine. And, on the heels of Tuesday's victory in the Senate, the House Civil Justice Committee voted in favor of the House version of MPP's medical marijuana bill today without a single dissenting vote.

Now, the bill moves on to probably the most difficult committee it will have to go through in the House. We urgently need all of our supporters to contact the Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee members now. You can find their contact information and some talking points here. It's imperative that the committee members understand the wide and deep support this compassionate measure enjoys before they vote. The bill is likely to receive a hearing in this committee sometime within the next few weeks.

If the Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee votes favorably on this legislation, the bill has an excellent chance of success in the House. Last session, medical marijuana legislation passed the full Senate but stalled on the House floor before receiving a vote. We need to generate and maintain momentum moving forward so that legislators understand the pressing need to protect the sick and dying from arrest in Minnesota.

Please contact the committee members today and convey your strong support for this crucial bill. Cancer, HIV/ AIDS, and multiple sclerosis patients across the state are depending on you taking action immediately!

Thanks so much for your help in pushing Minnesota's medical marijuana bill forward. Together, we can make Minnesota the 14th medical marijuana state.