ST. PAUL – Today, April 20, cannabis enthusiasts recognize “420,” an unofficial holiday in celebration of the plant, and a day supporters of decriminalization can gather in support of the cause. At the State Capitol today, several groups including Minnesota NORML, Minnesota Marijuana and Legal Marijuana Now held a rally advocating for the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota.
House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL – Minnetonka), chief author of the bill to create a framework for legal marijuana in Minnesota including its cultivation, sale, use and possession, gave the keynote address at the rally. He released the following statement:
“When I introduced this bill, I made it clear that this was about starting a conversation. It quickly became obvious, by the overwhelming support I immediately received from across the state, that the citizens of Minnesota were hungry for this conversation to happen. While we know viewpoints on this issue are changing, there are still those with outdated attitudes based on myths and dangers that we all know don’t exist. That’s why it was great to see so many people show up today and reach out to their elected officials and engage them in this important conversation.
“With all of us working together, we can create a true billion dollar marijuana economy in Minnesota: Minnesota farmers can grow it, Minnesota companies can distribute it, and Minnesota small businesses can sell it. Unfortunately, Republicans in the House and Senate have let efforts to legalize marijuana die this session. But the criminal prohibition of marijuana has failed, and I’m confident it’s just a matter of time before it ends. The enthusiasm exhibited at the Capitol today is just one step toward this happening.”
Rep. Jon Applebaum represents the communities of Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Woodland in the Minnesota House, serving as Deputy Minority Leader. He can be reached by phone at 651-296-9934 or email at rep.jon.applebaum@house.mn.