Recreational marijuana backers kick off push at MN Capitol

Minnesota House and Senate sponsors this morning (930am) kick off a renewed push at the legislature to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota.  House Speaker Melissa Hortman says it’s a criminal justice reform issue:

“It is critically important that Minnesota right some of the wrongs that have been inflicted on our population because of our prohibition policy.”

…which recreational cannabis backers say falls disproportionately on Minnesotans of color.  Ryan Hamilton with the Minnesota Catholic Conference responds:

“If this is really about racial justice, then the legislature should consider pivoting their focus to a decriminalization effort that is not contingent on the full commercialization of THC.”

Hamilton says communities of color deserve a drug-free environment for families raising their children.