ST. PAUL, Minn. – News reports emerged late this week of mounting financial losses at LeafLine Labs, one of Minnesota’s only two medical cannabis manufacturers.
Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL – Minnetonka), Deputy House Minority Leader and author of Minnesota’s first bill to legalize recreational marijuana, released the following statement:
“These unfortunate financial figures should make us consider improving our State's current marijuana policy. While it’s encouraging that the number of patients enrolling in the medical cannabis program has expanded and the Dept. of Health has made more conditions eligible, unless things change quickly, such massive losses at one of only two companies raise serious questions about the heavily restricted program’s long-term viability.
“Through full legalization of marijuana – for both medicinal and recreational use – we have an opportunity to create a true billion-dollar made-in-Minnesota marijuana economy. The next Governor and Legislature must courageously work to eliminate our failed criminal prohibition in order for Minnesota to realize the significant benefits that full legalization has brought to a growing number of states. Full legalization will not only improve availability for those who count this product for their health, but will create phenomenal economic benefits for our entire state, of which both the public and private sectors are currently missing out.”
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