Lawmakers Pass Measure Allowing Medical Marijuana
A bill making Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
Watch CBS News
A bill making Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
It's the news for which thousands of Minnesota families have waited. State lawmakers reached a deal Thursday that will make medical marijuana legal. Angela Garin watches her son have seizures daily. Now, the St. Paul mom hopes medical marijuana will help him and thousands of others.
Minnesota lawmakers have a deal on a medical marijuana bill that would set up eight distribution sites and allow qualified patients to access the drug in oil, pill and vapor form. The agreement announced Thursday was crafted to suit concerns of Gov. Mark Dayton, who backs it.
Two very different plans for legalizing medical marijuana in Minnesota went to a legislative conference committee on Tuesday, leaving advocates hoping for an agreement acceptable enough to Gov. Mark Dayton to become law.
Gov. Mark Dayton says he's still hopeful lawmakers can fashion a medical marijuana compromise that gets help to ailing people but doesn't allow for access he fears would be too wide. Dayton said Monday that he has top aides working with legislators on a bill that can become law.
The next move in legalization of medical marijuana in Minnesota is up to the state Senate. Senators could vote Monday to adopt a House bill that is more restrictive than theirs.
This week, the Minnesota House and Senate will have to hammer out differences between the Senate and House versions of a medical marijuana law.
Minnesota lawmakers face a shrinking pile of unfinished business as they sprint this week toward the end of the legislative session and the campaign season just beyond.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has sent a letter to House and Senate sponsors of their respective medical-marijuana bills. Dayton said he would sign the bill into law if legislators adopted the House version as is. Dayton sent the letter to Minneapolis Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble and Hibbing Democratic Rep. Carly Melin soon after the House passed a medical-marijuana proposal on Friday.
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.
A bill with tight limits on use of marijuana as medicine has reached a pivotal Minnesota House vote. Days after the Senate overwhelmingly passed a more-expansive version, House lawmakers planned to debate its own proposal and almost 50 potential amendments Friday.
Many families didn't want to wait for a law in Minnesota to help their sick kids. They moved to Colorado to get access to marijuana. WCCO caught up with one family seeing some big changes in their daughter after their move.
The Minnesota state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
A bill to legalize medical marijuana is headed to the Senate floor after passage by the Finance Committee. The committee passed the bill 14-7 on Monday after adding a few wrinkles to the legislation.
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.
One more Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The Senate Judiciary Committee gave the OK Wednesday despite opposition from law enforcement including Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman.
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.
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.
As a medical marijuana bill remains a controversial issue in Minnesota, Wisconsin has approved a bill for a marijuana component.
Lawmakers will be less than a month from the mandatory session finish line when they return to the Capitol after Easter, but don't be surprised if they make an earlier break for it. Much of the heavy lifting of the election-year session is done. Negotiators from the House, Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton's administration forecast more ease than usual buttoning up remaining tax and budget bills.
Medical marijuana has not yet been snuffed out in Minnesota. Sen. Scott Dibble, a Minneapolis Democrat, took up the gauntlet Gov. Mark Dayton threw down this week when he dared legislators to vote on the proposal if they felt they could pass it, declining to say if he would veto it.
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.
Advocates of medical marijuana aren't giving up at the State Capitol, despite opposition from Gov. Mark Dayton. A bill to legalize medical marijuana is stalled at the legislature, but supporters -- including mothers of sick children -- are asking the governor to reconsider.
Classes are canceled in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, on Monday after the school said it suffered a "suspected ransomware incident."
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Juan Carlos Barreto says his humanitarian work got to be too dangerous under Nicolas Maduro's regime. That's what brought him, his wife and his 14-year-old ultimately to Minnesota.
Tristan Gray hit a three-run home run, Kody Clemens added a solo blast and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2.
Classes are canceled in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, on Monday after the school said it suffered a "suspected ransomware incident."
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
Juan Carlos Barreto says his humanitarian work got to be too dangerous under Nicolas Maduro's regime. That's what brought him, his wife and his 14-year-old ultimately to Minnesota.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 40 at 60th Street Southwest, west of Willmar.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in what Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the "largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution," has disappeared, according to officials.
Saturday high temperatures are expected to hit the 50s.
A teenager involved in a crash involving a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle last April near Clear Lake sustained a spinal injury and a significant brain injury. Since then, he's had 30 surgeries.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor has won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, growing its liberal majority.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
President Trump said the U.S. Navy will begin blockading ships from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz and intercept vessels that have paid tolls to Iran.
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she might run for president in 2028, telling a gathering in New York that she is considering mounting a third bid for the White House.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the cyberattack "disrupted critical systems and digital services."
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
Police say they are working to determine if the man was struck by a vehicle or if a vehicle dragged him as it drove away.
Two Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, residents are accused of making false claims to receive over $860,000 in medical assistance payments, according to court records filed Thursday.
![Sana Anetipa (cq) daughter held up a winning ticket of 200.00 that her father purchased while he played pull tabs Wednesday March 6, 2019 at Skinner's Bar in St.Paul, MN.] Jerry Holt • Jerry.holt@startribune.com](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2026/04/10/b1bd9e5c-9ff9-4571-afd3-04ee5241c416/thumbnail/640x360/2ed1c8596d3878dfb271d93754f426f4/gettyimages-1156603566.jpg#)
Federal charges accuse a payroll manager of embezzling more than a million dollars from a Minnesota company "to fund her gambling and pull-tab addiction."
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The video shows the patient on a mental health hold striking hospital support staff. Then, the patient takes a swing with the bed rail at EMT Rob Madsen who was waiting to transfer a patient.
Twin Cities doctors are sending a serious warning to families after seeing a surge in injuries tied to e-bikes and scooters.
City leaders referred four ordinances to staff that would create licensing, zoning, and health regulations for establishments where sexual activity between consenting adults may be facilitated.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
Tristan Gray hit a three-run home run, Kody Clemens added a solo blast and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2.
Steven Stamkos scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota, locking the Wild into the third seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs.
Kyle Duncan and Kelvin Yeboah each scored a goal to help Minnesota United beat San Diego FC 2-1.
Abby Hustler, Taylor Heise and Britta Curl-Salemme scored third-period goals to help the Minnesota Frost beat the New York Sirens 4-1.
Trevor Larnach hit a three-run home run, Brooks Lee added a solo shot and the Minnesota Twins used a seven-run third inning to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 for their fifth win in six games.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders. WCCO spoke with David Schultz, a congressional law professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get some clarity.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
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.
After a warm and humid morning, storms are expected to develop in Minnesota, bringing hail and strong winds.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, warm and a bit humid again with a high near 74.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner says highs will top out around 80 and it will be windy and humid.
Construction along Highway 280 begins on Monday and will continue through the rest of the summer.
After a warm and humid morning, storms are expected to develop in Minnesota, bringing hail and strong winds.
Throughout Operation Metro Surge, WCCO heard from many asylum seekers who say they were detained despite following all legal procedures. A Venezuelan college professor says he is a victim of this. He's back home, but as Frankie McLister reports, an ankle monitor leaves him with questions.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, warm and a bit humid again with a high near 74.
The Elk River ProStart Culinary Team joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.