MN legislative records: on Drugs

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

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)

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

Jim Newberger: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"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

Mark Dayton: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"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

Matt Dean: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"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

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)

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

Michelle Benson: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"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; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 Apr 24, 2014

Paul Gazelka: Voted NO on establishing rules for medical marijuana

"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; State Sen. Paul Gazelka voted NO; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29

Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470 Apr 24, 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)

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

Tina Liebling: Establish rules for medical marijuana

"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

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)

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

Tim Walz: Treatment options for fentanyl addiction & opioid crisis

Opioid overdose deaths, along other substance-related deaths, have increased significantly over the past two decades. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 54 overdose deaths in 2000, and 678 in 2020. In Minnesota, Native Americans and African Americans are twice as likely to die from opioid-related overdoses than white people.

Despite the deadly consequences of substance use, only one in ten people with a substance use disorder receives treatment. To prevent more tragic deaths, we must do more to combat substance use and educate and provide treatment to all those who need it.

In 2019, I signed the Opiate Epidemic Response bill: Minnesota now raises funds from prescribers, drug manufacturers, and distributors to fight the opioid crisis.

The Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction Subcabinet is established.
The purpose of the Subcabinet is to identify opportunities that support access to treatment options or addiction-related services.

Source: Minnesota voting records: Executive Order 22-07 Apr 7, 2022

The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Minnesota House and Senate. Click here for definitions & background information on Drugs. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*Candidates and political leaders on Drugs:*
*Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:* GA:Chambliss(R) IA:Harkin(D) MI:Levin(D) MT:Baucus(D) NE:Johanns(R) OK:Coburn(R) SD:Johnson(D) WV:Rockefeller(D) *Resigned from 113th House:* AL-1:Jo Bonner(R) FL-19:Trey Radel(R) LA-5:Rod Alexander(R) MA-5:Ed Markey(D) MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R) NC-12:Melvin Watt(D) SC-1:Tim Scott(R)	*Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:* AR-4:Tom Cotton(R) GA-1:Jack Kingston(R) GA-10:Paul Broun(R) GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R) HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D) IA-1:Bruce Braley(D) LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R) ME-2:Mike Michaud(D) MI-14:Gary Peters(D) MT-0:Steve Daines(R) OK-5:James Lankford(R) PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D) TX-36:Steve Stockman(R) WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)	*Retired House as of Jan. 2015:* AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R) AR-2:Tim Griffin(R) CA-11:George Miller(D) CA-25:Howard McKeon(R) CA-33:Henry Waxman(D) CA-45:John Campbell(R) IA-3:Tom Latham(R) MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R) NC-6:Howard Coble(R) NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D) NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R) NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D) NY-21:Bill Owens(D) PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R) UT-4:Jim Matheson(D) VA-8:Jim Moran(D) VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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Page last updated: Aug 18, 2024