State of Minnesota Archives: on Drugs
Mike Murphy:
More accessible licensing for substance abuse counselors
Mike is proposing more accessible licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors. Many aspiring counselors are former addicts who may not have a bachelor's degree. If people are willing to assist with our
substance abuse and mental health crisis, they should be permitted to do so as long as they meet reasonable, formal training requirements and take steps to maintain their licensure.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Possibly legalize marijuana to raise state funds
Murphy said he would not cut funding for social programs. He suggested
legalizing sports betting and possibly marijuana, "if done correctly," to support spending priorities.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune: 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial race
Feb 6, 2021
Jason Lewis:
Allow states to decide on marijuana legalization
Q: Legalize marijuana?Jason Lewis: Can legalize state by state, not federally. Supports states' rights to determine their marijuana policies without federal interference.
Tina Smith: Yes. Introduced a bill this year to legalize marijuana for recreational use nationwide.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Minnesota Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Karin Housley:
Legalize limited forms of medical marijuana
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Smith: Learn from experience of states that have legalized recreational.
Housley: States should decide.
Voted to "legalize limited forms of medical marijuana," but "needs to be more research on marijuana's efficacy."
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Tina Smith:
Learn from states that have legalized recreational
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Smith: Learn from experience of states that have legalized recreational.
Housley: States should decide.
Voted to "legalize limited forms of medical marijuana," but "needs to be more research on marijuana's efficacy."
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Pete Stauber:
Does not support the legalization of marijuana
Stauber does not support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes,
pointing to a desire to keep all drugs away from Minnesota's youth.
Source: MPR Minnesota voter guide: 2018 Congressional MN-8 election
Oct 10, 2018
Jeff Johnson:
Medical marijuana ok but not recreational
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Jeff Johnson (R): Supports medical marijuana but opposed to legalizing recreational.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana for adults.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Walz:
Full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Jeff Johnson (R): Supports medical marijuana but opposed to legalizing recreational.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports full legalization of medical and recreational marijuana for adults.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Ilhan Omar:
Supports cannabis legalization
Legalizing recreational cannabis nationwide would benefit both our economy and criminal justice system.
We cannot move towards this goal without expunging the records and seeking amnesty for those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.
Source: CBS Minnesota on 2018 Congress MN-5 election
Sep 10, 2018
Karin Housley:
Focus opioid resources on prevention, treatment, & education
The number of Minnesotans who succumbed to drug overdoses rose from 129 to 637 between 2000 and 2016. In 2016 alone, 395 deaths and more than 2,000 hospitalizations were directly tied to opiate abuse.
"What we really need to focus our resources on is prevention, treatment and education," Housley said. "I think that would go a long way toward stopping the epidemic across the country."
Citing personal experience with a family member, as well as speaking with constituents across Minnesota, she said it requires a wholesale effort from the state to Congress, educating kids in second grade on the issue all the
way up to maintaining the kind of treatment facilities people who are addicted need.
She noted Adult & Teen Challenge as a particularly effective program she would like to see emulated in other areas.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch: 2017-8 Minnesota Special Senate Election
Jul 31, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Joined with other AG's to investigate opioid manufacturers
Over 30K people will die from opioid-related overdoses this year in the U.S.A.The USA has less than 5% of the world's population but uses 80% of the world's prescription opioid painkillers.˙People who abuse prescription painkillers often turn to
street heroin because of its lower cost.˙I have joined with a number of other AG's in an investigation into the potential legal culpability of pharmaceutical manufacturers in the marketing and sale of opioid prescription painkillers.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com
Jul 4, 2018
Paula Overby:
Marijuana isn't a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Oppose--There is no evidence to support that as any meaningful concern. The war on drugs is a vehicle for authoritarian agendas and corporate control of the prescription drug industry.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
May 13, 2018
Jim Newberger:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Agree
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
Mar 15, 2018
Rebecca Otto:
War on drugs is a failure
The war on drugs was a failed policy with racial and political undertones and must end. Criminalizing small drug offenses and mental health challenges has overwhelmed our prison system and destroyed families and lives.
Rebecca wants to decriminalize all small drug offenses. The evidence shows that drug and alcohol use is best approached as a public health issue versus a criminal justice issue.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Gubernatorial website RebeccaOtto.com
Nov 1, 2017
Tina Liebling:
War on drugs failed; end prohibition & use pot responsibly
The war on drugs has failed--costing Minnesota taxpayers too much and destroying too many lives. It's time to remove the prohibition on personal use of cannabis and treat addiction as an illness, not a crime.Cannabis is not harmless, but prohibition
of cannabis has not worked and has also caused many unintended, harmful consequences. Minnesotans spend perhaps $700 million per year on illegal cannabis, which they buy without knowing the purity of what they buy. Cannabis prohibition also contributes
to racial disparities in our state as it fills expensive prison beds with people who do not belong there. Without prohibition we could do a better job keeping cannabis away from children and educating our population on how to use it responsibly and with
regard to the rights of others.
Minnesotans should have the opportunity to decide whether to legalize personal use of cannabis under a careful system of regulation and taxation. Law enforcement should have a voice on drug policy, but never a veto.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Heather Johnson:
Release prisoners convicted of marijuana possession
Q: Do you support the legalization of marijuana?A: Not only would I support the legalization of marijuana, I would support any legislation that would decriminalize it. People who are in prison for marijuana would be released and have their records
expunged. Obviously if they harmed somebody in a drug crime they would still need to pay for that, but the marijuana offenses would not hold.
Q: Do you have any lasting concerns about the regulatory and safety of marijuana?
A: Some people are calling for it to be legalized and regulated so it can be taxed. I have concerns about the FDA being involved in pharmaceuticals, if people are harmed you never see any reparations or repairs.
Legalization would create jobs and boost the economy. I'm not in favor of excessive regulation of any business; let people vote with their dollars.
Source: News Examiner Q&A on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Mark Dayton:
Establish rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
May 29, 2014
Erin Murphy:
Establish rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Murphy voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
May 9, 2014
Jim Newberger:
Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Newberger voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
May 9, 2014
Matt Dean:
Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Matt Dean voted NAY; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
May 9, 2014
Tina Liebling:
Establish rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Tina Liebling voted YEA; passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
May 9, 2014
Tim Pawlenty:
Legalizing marijuana is unneeded & unwise
Pawlenty opposed a 2006 bill in the Minnesota
Legislature that would have legalized marijuana for limited medical uses, calling it an "unneeded and unwise" proposal.
Source: Sam`s Club Republican, p.65, Minnesota Voting Records AB740
May 10, 2010
Tim Pawlenty:
Vetoed legalizing medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:- Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
- Issuing registry
identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
- Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
- Sunset provision (automatic expiration of
law)
Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks.
Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97
May 22, 2009
Erin Murphy:
Voted YES on legalizing medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:- Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
- Issuing registry
identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
- Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
- Sunset provision (automatic expiration of
law)
Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks.
Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Erin Murphy voted YES; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97
May 18, 2009
Jim Abeler:
No legalized medical marijuana
Jim Abeler voted Nay on Passage of SF 97.Legislative title:Legalizing Medical Marijuana
Legislative summary:Vote to legalize marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.
- Allows a
qualifying patient to receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana
- Defines a primary caregiver as a person of at least 18 years who assists no more than five qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana
- Retains the use of marijuana solely for
terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness
- Allows issuing ID cards to qualifying patients, enabling them to purchase marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries
- Requires that a licensed practitioner sign a written certification for a
qualifying patient recommending the medical use of marijuana
- Defines a registered organization as a nonprofit entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that provides marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients and caregivers.
Source: Minnesota House voting records (Votesmart synopses)
May 18, 2009
Jim Abeler:
Voted NO on legalizing medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:- Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
- Issuing registry
identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
- Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
- Sunset provision (automatic expiration of
law)
Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks.
Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Jim Abeler voted NO; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97
May 18, 2009
Matt Dean:
Voted NO on legalizing medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:- Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
- Issuing registry
identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
- Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
- Sunset provision (automatic expiration of
law)
Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks.
Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Matt Dean voted NO; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97
May 18, 2009
Tina Liebling:
Voted YES on legalizing medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: Providing for the medical use of marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions:- Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
- Issuing registry
identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
- Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
- Sunset provision (automatic expiration of
law)
Veto letter: While I am very sympathetic to those dealing with end-of-life illnesses and accompanying pain, I stand with law enforcement in opposition to this legislation. Marijuana poses serious public safety and health risks.
Legalized medicinal use could serve to compound these problems.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; Rep. Tina Liebling voted YES; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF 97
May 18, 2009
Mark Dayton:
Greatest threat to national security is flood of drugs
Dayton suggested the U.S. should redirect military spending to more sharply focus on the United States. “I think we need a much stronger patrolling of our border by our armed forces,” he
said. “The greatest threat to our national security today is the flood of drugs coming into our country.”
Source: [X-ref Defense] Minnesota Public Radio on-line
Oct 2, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Strengthen the fight against illegal drugs
We need to increase the number of prosecutors and strengthen the fight against illegal drugs and help addicts stay clean.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021