Our Work
The Founding Coalition Members have worked extensively on cannabis law reform in Minnesota. We have a track-record of coalition building to pass monumental legislation in Minnesota to change how Minnesota treats cannabis consumers. Collectively, we have focused on collaborative efforts to reform Minnesota’s medical cannabis and hemp laws, and worked to build support for full legalization beginning with the introduction of legislation in 2017, and most recently, seeing full legalization passed in the Minnesota House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority.
Policy Victories
Members of the MNisReady Coalition have chipped away at cannabis prohibition in Minnesota for the past decade making significant improvements to a poorly designed medical cannabis program, championing “fix-it” legislation, collaborating to make hemp-cannabinoid consumers safer and the industry more stable, and historically passing the first full cannabis legalization in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
MNisReady Coalition Member Policy Victories
- May 22, 2022: Minnesota Legalizes Hemp-Derived THC Edibles & Beverages
- December 1, 2021: Addition of certain edibles to medical cannabis program
- May 16, 2021:
- Smokable cannabis flower as an allowable delivery method for medical cannabis
- Expanding access to medical cannabis caregivers
- Allowing curbside delivery
- May 13, 2021: Minnesota House of Representatives passes HF600, which would legalize the adult-use of cannabis
- March 31, 2020: Peacetime emergency Executive Order continuing operations of the Medical Cannabis Program
- December 1, 2019:
- Addition of chronic pain as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis
- Addition of oral dissolvable edibles as an allowable delivery method
- December 1, 2018: Addition of Alzheimer’s disease as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis
- December 1, 2017: Addition of Autism as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis
- December 1, 2016: Addition of post-traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis
In the Press
Members of the MNisReady Coalition are reliable sources for local and national media, and have built relationships with local publications and national publications. Our members have been featured by Marijuana Moment, NBC News, Politico, The Guardian, New York Times, Leafly, and nearly every local news outlet.
MNisReady In the Press
Advocates, opponents prepare for fight over marijuana legalization in Minnesota
Minnesota could legalize recreational marijuana as early as next year, DFL House speaker says.
Election results improve prospects for legalized recreational marijuana in Minnesota
Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana in Minnesota say the prospects of that happening have improved, in the wake of this week’s election results that saw the DFL take control of both legislative chambers.
Minnesota Senators Signal Plans To Advance Marijuana Legalization In 2023 With New Democratic Majority
The prospects of legalizing marijuana in Minnesota improved significantly on Tuesday, with voters flipping the state Senate and giving Democrats majorities in both chambers, while reelecting the pro-reform Democratic governor. On Wednesday, lawmakers from the party said the issue will be among thos…
Maryland and Missouri Vote to Legalize Cannabis
Voters in Maryland and Missouri voted to approve ballot measures to legalize adult-use cannabis, while Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota rejected similar proposals.
Legalize pot? Rochester cannabis advocate, area legislators weigh in
Four months after a confusing piece of legislation made THC edibles legal in Minnesota, businesses and legalization advocates hope lawmakers further open the marijuana marketplace.
What President Biden’s marijuana pardon means for Minnesotans
The pardons will impact 6,500 nationwide and thousands more in Washington, D.C., a senior administration official said, but stressed there are no people currently incarcerated in federal prison for such convictions.
MNisReady Coalition hosts first Canna-caravan event to support cannabis legalization
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The first installment of a local coalition’s cannabis legalization tour got underway in Rochester on Thursday night.
Minnesota Poll: 53% support legalizing recreational marijuana
New poll shows growing support for legal marijuana in Minnesota.
THC-infused beer debuts in Rochester
Little Thistle released Chill Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. It’s the first THC-infused beverage from any of the breweries in Minnesota’s third largest city.
Cannabis advocates join forces to elect pro-legal marijuana Democrats to Minnesota Legislature
Groups plan to conduct voter outreach and pour money into state elections.
Marijuana advocates in Minnesota campaigning against legalization parties, infiltrators, in key swing districts | MinnPost
Winning major party status had unintended results. As a minor party, organizers have control over who runs under their party name by gathering signatures on a nominating petition. Major parties do not. In 2020, anyone with a filing fee could run under one of the two legalization parties.
Cannabis legalization advocates turn THC customers into political allies - Minnesota Reformer
They’re planning to meet potential voters at the businesses where they buy cannabis products to tell them about the November election.
New Minnesota law legalizes some THC products, bans others
ROCHESTER, Minn. - A law making certain THC products legal in Minnesota went into effect today, changing the landscape of cannabis regulations across the North Star State.
Did Minnesota accidentally legalize weed?
“That doesn’t legalize marijuana?” Republican Sen. Jim Abeler asked after state lawmakers OK’d products with hemp-derived THC.
With legalization of THC in Minnesota, what happens to the state’s medical marijuana program? | MinnPost
An expected increase in patients of the medical marijuana program in three weeks when edibles first become available might be blunted by the surprise July 1 legalization of hemp-based edibles in the state.
Minnesota Law Legalizing THC Cannabis Edibles Takes Effect, Prompting Pushback From Key GOP Senator (Who Voted For It)
A new law took effect in Minnesota on Friday that allows adults 21 and older to buy edibles infused with hemp-derived cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC. The codification of the cannabis edibles policy through the legislation, which also imposes regulations on the sale of delta-8 THC produ…
Cannabis edibles containing psychoactive THC now legal in Minnesota
Minnesota legalized food and drink containing enough THC for consumers to experience psychoactive effects through a bill aimed at changing state law on the regulation, sale and consumption of canna…
Federal drug laws criminalize medical cannabis use in Section 8 housing
Can Minnesotans use legal medical marijuana in Section 8 public housing? Mary Davis, a domestic abuse survivor, has been using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain for four years. She can store the medication in her federally subsidized Section 8 townhome but can’t use it inside. She’s forced to v…
Minnesota Groups Unite in Recreational Marijuana Opposition
Several businesses, trade groups and social organizations announced the formation of a coalition on Monday opposing legalization of recreational marijuana
Minnesota Governor Puts Marijuana Legalization Funding In Budget Request
The governor of Minnesota included funding to implement marijuana legalization in his annual budget request to lawmakers on Wednesday—a move that comes while Democratic legislative leaders prepare to advance the reform again this session even as it has stalled in the GOP-controlled Senate. Gov. Tim…
Minnesota groups unite to oppose marijuana legalization
Several businesses, trade groups and social organizations formed the Minnesotans Against Marijuana Legalization on Monday as the measure’s supporters signal another push for the issue ahead of the start of the legislative session next week.
Why federal regulations are likely to keep lawful gun owners away from Minnesota’s medical cannabis program | MinnPost
The conflict stems from a federal government policy of denying gun purchases and transfers to anyone who signs up for a state’s medical cannabis program.
New rules for medical marijuana in Minnesota could end up quadrupling number of patients in program | MinnPost
Registered patients will soon be able to buy marijuana in plant form and smoke it, a change that could eventually result in as many as 100,000 people in the program.
‘Ridiculous’ price of medical marijuana leaves patients scrambling
Many people who use the drug to treat chronic conditions are priced out of their state’s medical marijuana program.
Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Expansion to Cut Costs for Users
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Those enrolled in Minnesota’s medical marijuana program are expected to have a more aff...
Minnesota Lawmakers Approve Smokable Medical Marijuana As Broader Legalization Stalls
A bill to legalize marijuana in Minnesota that recently passed the House isn’t advancing in the Republican controlled Senate this session—but advocates scored a different kind of victory on Monday when it comes to expanding the state’s medical cannabis program. That includes legalizing smokable form…
America’s most conservative states are embracing medical pot
Despite struggles in Kentucky and Tennessee, the year looks up for medical marijuana supporters.
Some local lawmakers, advocates push for legal weed; others push back
Despite long odds, a group of state lawmakers have again introduced a bill that would fully legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use.
As nearby states legalize recreational pot, Minnesota faces opposition
In Minnesota, recreational marijuana faces opposition, even as border state South Dakota moves forward starting July 1.
Top Minnesota Lawmakers File Marijuana Legalization Bill For 2021
Top Minnesota lawmakers introduced a bill on Monday that would legalize marijuana in the state. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D) filed the legislation, which is also being cosponsored by the House speaker. It would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis…
Top Minnesota House Lawmaker Wants Marijuana On Ballot If GOP Senate Blocks Legalization Bill
A top Minnesota lawmaker says he will again introduce a bill to legalize marijuana in the new session. And if Senate Republicans don’t go along with the idea, he hopes they will at least let voters decide on cannabis as a 2022 ballot measure. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D) told WCCO-TV that…
Even in death, pot candidate upends Minnesota US House race
Adam Weeks was never going to win his Minnesota congressional race, but the deceased Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate has had an outsized effect on the suburban race
How Republicans are using Minnesota’s marijuana reform parties to siphon votes
The Nov. 3, 2020, ballot in Minnesota will include no less than 25 state legislative candidates representing the Legalize Marijuana Now Party and the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party.
Minnesota House-Passed Bill To Allow Whole-Plant Medical Marijuana Killed By Senate
In a lackluster finish Sunday night to Minnesota’s scheduled legislative session, Senate Republicans voted to kill provision the House passed a day earlier that would have allowed medical marijuana patients to purchase raw, whole-plant forms of cannabis. The vote came as lawmakers left piles of unfi…
Top Minnesota Lawmaker Unveils Long-Delayed ‘Best’ Marijuana Legalization Bill In The Country
It was mid-February when Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL) pledged to introduce what he’d called “the best legalization bill in the country” within the coming weeks. Shortly after, the state plunged along with the rest of the country into the global coronavirus outbreak, and marijua…
Minnesota OKs medical cannabis for chronic pain, eye disease
Macular degeneration and chronic pain will be added next year as conditions eligible for treatment under Minnesota’s medical marijuana program. The state Health Department also said it would allow more sites where patients can access medical cannabis.
Medical marijuana patients on edge over vaping scare; manufacturers say products are safe
Katy Cummins-Bakko relies on medical marijuana for her connective tissue disease, which can trigger pain or dislocation with each step. At night, when pain can creep up and keep her awake, she uses…
Minnesota group urges cannabis for chronic pain
The pain decision is significant because it could explode the state’s number of cannabis users.
When the Law Says Using Marijuana Is O.K., but the Boss Disagrees (Published 2019)
The relatively rapid acceptance of marijuana use in the United States has lawmakers and employers grappling with ways to adjust hiring rules.
Questions raised about impact of medical marijuana on opioid use, deaths - Business Insurance
Medical marijuana and cannabinoid products are increasingly being touted as a pain management alternative for injured workers, but new studies have cast doubts on political arguments that access to the Schedule I drug will mitigate the effects of the opioid crisis, experts say.
How Minnesota can fix its medical marijuana market
Minnesota’s medical marijuana program has struggled for years as the flaws in its design have caused issue after issue.
In debate on marijuana, lawmakers consider forgiveness
Tens of thousands of Minnesotans would be eligible to have some criminal records erased under bills that would legalize recreational marijuana, and there’s bipartisan discussion about lowering penalties for marijuana-related crimes.
University of Minnesota survey links regular marijuana use to lower grades
Boynton Health researchers studied grades after noting a sharp increase in marijuana use at the university.
Minnesota Introduces Bill for Marijuana Legalization
Senators Melisa Franzen and Scott Jensen, House Rep. Mike Freiberg introducing bill that would make it legal for adults over 21 to possess, grow and purchase limited quantities of weed
New group hopes to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota
Minnesotans for Responsible Marijuana Regulation hopes to build a statewide coalition.
What Minnesota has learned about cost, side effects of medical marijuana
The state of Minnesota went through a political battle similar to Utah’s over medical marijuana. The Minnesota legislature finally settled on compromise law that has been accepted by most of the combatants, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been problems.
Citing lab delays, LeafLine to temporarily scale back operations
Managing chronic pain and post traumatic stress disorder became a lot easier for Kellie Germann when medical cannabis became available to her here in Minnesota two years ago, though a recent shortage is now threatening her relatively newfound relief.
It’s Not Easy Being Minnesota Green | Twin Cities Business
The little cannabis industry on the prairie is pioneering a new model for medical marijuana. But its future is up in the air.
Questions swirl over financial viability of Minnesota’s medical marijuana program
By John Schroyer Is Minnesota’s highly restrictive medical cannabis program viable in the long term? Or will it prove to be an extremely expensive but failed experiment? Both questions are being raised after a recent report revealed that the state’s two MMJ producers lost a combined $11 million in…
Sensible Minnesota: Using Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain
As states grapple with the re-integration of medical cannabis into the physician’s compendium, there are hundreds of small dramas being played out all across the nation, indeed all around the globe. Many go unreported except for local coverage. The process isn’t as sexy as tie-dyed hippies with mamm…
Patients can now buy Minnesota medical marijuana
Monday brings a sliver of hope to her and other residents that have incurable pain: They can finally buy Minnesota medical marijuana.
Minnesota Opens Sales of Medical Marijuana for Pain
Judy Bjerke Severson wants to be normal — visit friends and family, go to the grocery store or even sleep in her own bed — but she says the crippling pain from fibromyalgia and back surgery complications, as well as a painkiller-induced fog, have made her a shell of her former self.
Let’s talk pot: Group announces first-ever cannabis conference in Rochester
Sensible Minnesota , a pro-marijuana advocacy group, will hold a conference on medical cannabis next month in Rochester. “Medical Cannabis: An Essential Primer for Minnesota” is scheduled for Nov. 24 at the Mayo Civic Center. There is no cost to attend, although Sensible suggests a donation of $50
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