Minnesota Republicans Frustrated by Governor's Disregard for Marijuana Legalization Concerns
Minnesota Republican lawmakers are expressing their disappointment with Governor Tim Walz and Democratic leadership for not addressing their concerns regarding the state's newly implemented marijuana legalization law. They argue that the law contains loopholes and defects, particularly related to policies affecting youth, such as minimal penalties for underage possession. The lawmakers also highlight disparities between the penalties for marijuana and alcohol possession and sales to minors. They believe that the law may be exploited by criminal organizations and criticize the lack of liability laws for adults allowing youth to use marijuana. The Republicans are urging the reinstatement of serious penalties to demonstrate that the state takes underage consumption seriously and does not tolerate the exploitation of young people for illegal drug trafficking.