ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
Minnesota will hold off on a debate over medical marijuana legislation this year.
A medical marijuana bill was already vetoed after being approved by from Minnesota lawmakers in 2009, and Gov. Mark Dayton hasn't offered any support for such legislation.
Heather Azzi, of Minnesotans for Compassionate Care, a pro-marijuana policy group, cited a recent poll that suggests two-thirds of Minnesota voters think such a bill should pass.
"A vast majority of Minnesota voters agree that people suffering from conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis should be able to use marijuana in the treatment of their conditions," Azzi explained. "Criminalizing seriously and sometimes terminally ill people who use marijuana to relieve their pain and suffering is not a popular idea."
The survey of 600 Minnesota voters was conducted in early March, and said 54 percent of voters in the state would disapprove of their county sheriff or county attorney working to defeat a medical marijuana bill.
Azzi said that bills to permit its use will be introduced in the next week or two, but that they likely won't make it through Legislature this year.
Efforts in 18 states and the District of Colombia have propelled advocates in Minnesota to seek action, and buzz has circulated in at least a dozen other states.
Despite a lack of support from Minnesota's law enforcement community, Azzi said she and other supporters will continue to meet with the community throughout the year.
Minnesota Medical Marijuana Survey: http://www.mpp.org/states/minnesota/MinnesotaResults.pdf
