Minnesota House Passes Medical Pot Legislation
The Minnesota House overwhelmingly passed a bill on Friday that would legalize marijuana use for medical reasons but under tighter restrictions than a bill passed by the Senate earlier in the week.
Watch CBS News
The Minnesota House overwhelmingly passed a bill on Friday that would legalize marijuana use for medical reasons but under tighter restrictions than a bill passed by the Senate earlier in the week.
Bills legalizing medical marijuana could be voted on in both the Minnesota House and Senate this week, but the House and Senate versions are significantly different. That has led to disagreements among supporters that some say threaten passage of any type of bill.
A Little Canada, Minn. man has been charged with crashing his minivan into a St. Paul bar early Friday morning and leaving five patrons injured. He has been charged with one count of fleeing a police officer and five counts of criminal vehicular operation.
A rift among Minnesota supporters of allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes could make it harder to push legalization through the legislature this year. Committees in both the House and Senate were debating competing legislation Friday. A Senate panel stripped the option of smoking marijuana as medication from its bill on Thursday. But the House version is even more limited in how the drug may be accessed.
Democratic House leaders say they have a new compromise proposal on medical marijuana that is unopposed by law enforcement. Their proposal would create a limited clinical trial for children and adults suffering from severe illnesses.
A Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The chamber's Committee on State and Local Government advanced the legislation after questions on how a program would be set up and run.
With just three weeks left in this year's session, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed a new version of the bill that includes a state study on how medical marijuana availability would impact Minnesota.
Hundreds of people rallied at the State Capitol Wednesday to legalize marijuana in Minnesota. Supporters say it's less dangerous than beer, cigarettes, or even peanuts. Only one Minnesota lawmaker, Rep. Rena Moran, publicly expressed support for legal pot -- noting that blacks in her Ramsey County district are eight times more likely to be arrested for possession.
Supporters of medical marijuana plan to continue their push for its legalization at the State Capitol on Tuesday. The group, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care, says they now have 100 Minnesota doctors, pastors and clergy members who support legal access to medical marijuana.
A new study finds significantly more African Americans than whites are arrested for marijuana possession in Minnesota. Minnesota 2020, a nonpartisan think tank, says blacks account for 27 percent of marijuana possession arrests, but are only 6 percent of Minnesota's population.
As a medical marijuana bill remains a controversial issue in Minnesota, Wisconsin has approved a bill for a marijuana component.
A possible Minnesota House vote on legalizing medical marijuana has been delayed for a couple of weeks. Republican Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington was hoping to attach an amendment that would legalize medical marijuana to a separate health bill. But that bill has been pulled from Wednesday's docket until after the Legislature's Passover/Easter break that begins the next day.
Supporters of medical marijuana are trying to turn up the heat on Gov. Mark Dayton with a new TV ad that will debut in prime late-night and daytime slots. Their ad features a St. Paul woman and her 5-year-old son, whose daily seizures from intractable epilepsy have been eased by medical marijuana. The woman, Angela Garin, says in the ad she was shocked to learn that Dayton is blocking legalization of medical marijuana in Minnesota.
For Patrick McClellan, here's what mitochondrial myopathy can feel like: muscle spasms that won't stop, spreading through half his body and bursting blood vessels with their force. And being attacked by a swarm of invisible bees, their stingers piercing every uncovered spot of skin.
Gov. Mark Dayton has denied a suggestion that he told the mother of a sick child to buy marijuana from the street because it is not a legal medicine in Minnesota. The accusation was made Wednesday by a Woodbury mother who has been advocating for legalizing medical marijuana. She was among a small group of supporters who met in early March with the governor.
Mothers in support of legalizing medical marijuana say Gov. Mark Dayton urged them to buy pot illegally on Minnesota streets to help their severely sick children
One day after Gov. Mark Dayton appeared to discount any legislation on medical marijuana this year, he is urging advocates and legislators to keep talking in search of compromise. Dayton says he has the "deepest sympathy" for children and adults with serious diseases who find relief in marijuana.
Gov. Mark Dayton says prospects for a study on one type of medicinal marijuana stand between "slim and none" because advocates for broader legalization don't appear interested. Dayton said that his proposal to spend more than $2 million to research a non-combustible form of marijuana lacks support.
With a push for legalizing medical marijuana stalled this session, Gov. Mark Dayton plans to ask for $2.2 million for research into its possible benefits, a spokeswoman said Friday. Mayo Clinic would head the study, which would focus on cannabidiol, a marijuana compound that does not produce a high.
The up-and-down medical marijuana bill at the Capitol may be down again. Top lawmakers in the House and Senate say it's not likely to pass this year. Advocates of legalizing medical marijuana are hoping to make Minnesota the 20th state in the country to do so. Thursday, the advocates said it's possible to pass it this year. But it's not about medicine at this point at the Capitol; it's about math.
Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday downgraded the chances of medical marijuana becoming legal in Minnesota this year before he met privately with those who want the drug to be a treatment option for people with debilitating diseases.
Two people were arrested Thursday after witnesses saw someone with a gun on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. The school was put in lockdown when a UMD employee called 911 after seeing a man drop a weapon. The university says a 15-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested, and a pellet gun was recovered.
Most of the doctors polled at a Minnesota Medical Association forum oppose the legislation that legalizes medical marijuana. The bill passes a Minnesota House committee Wednesday, but still has a long road ahead in the Legislature.
Minnesota lawmakers flock back to the Capitol on Tuesday for a legislative session expected to run 12 weeks at most. Having set the two-year budget last year, lawmakers face a shorter list of legislation they must consider this time. And it's always easier to get in the way of proposed laws than to enact them.
A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll out Tuesday found that a slight majority – 51 percent -- of Minnesotans favor legalizing medical marijuana. Already, 20 other states allow it, but patients must buy it through shops and dispensaries.
The newest hot spot to cool off in the North Metro of Minnesota is making a splash with families.
After hearing about a growing number of break-ins at small businesses across the Twin Cities, Marcus Parkansky knew there was a chance his shop, Misfit Coffee, could be next.
Twenty-four months after Nikki Anderson disappeared without a trace in Dakota County, Minnesota, her sister says her family is left with no answers and plenty of questions.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find 11-year-old Marvin D. Terry.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
The newest hot spot to cool off in the North Metro of Minnesota is making a splash with families.
After hearing about a growing number of break-ins at small businesses across the Twin Cities, Marcus Parkansky knew there was a chance his shop, Misfit Coffee, could be next.
Twenty-four months after Nikki Anderson disappeared without a trace in Dakota County, Minnesota, her sister says her family is left with no answers and plenty of questions.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find 11-year-old Marvin D. Terry.
A Minnesota daycare owner who prosecutors said tried to flee the United States two days after shutting her center down pleaded guilty to fraud charges on Thursday.
Twenty-four months after Nikki Anderson disappeared without a trace in Dakota County, Minnesota, her sister says her family is left with no answers and plenty of questions.
A Twin Cities animal rescue saved 71 cats after getting a call from a concerned neighbor in Sibley County, Minnesota.
Some southern Minnesota residents were trapped in their homes after severe storms caused flooding in the area on Wednesday, authorities said.
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
A former Wisconsin judge will soon learn her sentence for felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal officers.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that guardianship records sought by the Wisconsin Voter Alliance to identify ineligible voters are not public records under state law.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has transferred $1 million from his former congressional account to a super PAC supporting Michael Alfonso, his 26-year-old son-in-law, who is running for Duffy's old Wisconsin seat in an Aug. 11 primary.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her says they have to do something about the city’s homeless encampments because the conditions aren't humane. But as Reg Chapman reports, not everyone believes this is the safest solution.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
Three-time Olympian David Hearn was indicted July 2, after he was accused of ripping out a portion of the sealant from the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
After hearing about a growing number of break-ins at small businesses across the Twin Cities, Marcus Parkansky knew there was a chance his shop, Misfit Coffee, could be next.
A Minnesota daycare owner who prosecutors said tried to flee the United States two days after shutting her center down pleaded guilty to fraud charges on Thursday.
The shooting happened just before 2 p.m. on the 1200 block of 36th Avenue North, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Ten years after a 2-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in north Minneapolis, family members continue to seek justice.
The Minneapolis Police Department could start using drones to help do their jobs, but some residents say the higher level of surveillance isn't worth it.
More than 75,000 Minnesotans have been approved for the state's paid family and medical leave program, which launched at the beginning of the year.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
Dozens of Twin Cities hospice workers are walking the picket line Monday in a one-day strike after nearly a year of negotiations for an inaugural union contract.
As Mayor Jacob Frey pledges a crackdown at open-air drug markets in Minneapolis, WCCO found brutal honesty about the situation from people who say they actively participate in the illicit trade.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh pop star best known for singing the chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, has died. She was 75.
AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is set to star in her first feature film, with her creator saying that "art will be imitating life."
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
We have an action-packed weekend, with lots of celebrations in store across the state for the Fourth of July.
Gavin Williams pitched seven dominant innings, Gabriel Arias, Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey hit home runs and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 5-2 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Alan Roden's RBI single in the ninth inning helped the Minnesota Twins beat Cleveland 6-5 for their fourth straight win over the Guardians.
Kayla McBride scored 23 points, and Minnesota beat the Connecticut Sun 86-80 to give Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve the WNBA record for career wins.
Taj Bradley allowed one run and struck out 10 in seven innings, Kody Clemens had two hits and an RBI, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1.
The Minnesota Twins placed Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after the center fielder aggravated a hip injury that has lingered through much of the season.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
Mike Lindell says he called President Trump before entering the Minnesota governor's race and asked for an endorsement, but Trump has not given one — though he said in December that Lindell deserves to be governor.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
Hot weather is in our future, with a stretch of days in the 90s. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the next few days and shares just how warm it'll get.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Some southern Minnesota residents were trapped in their homes after severe storms caused flooding in the area on Wednesday, authorities said.
Highs in the 90s return this weekend in the Twin Cities, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Friday will be a bit hotter but still not terribly humid. However, we start to cook this weekend, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
A man is recovering after a small plane crash in Winona County.
Minnesota's women's football team, the Vixens, continues to grow. Playing football and serious level.
Hot weather is in our future, with a stretch of days in the 90s. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the next few days and shares just how warm it'll get.
Splash pad in Ramsey, Minnesota, is the newest hot spot to cool off.
Thieves break into Misfit Coffee, stealing $2500.