Golden Valley Lawmaker Calls Edible THC Law ‘Intentional Step Forward’
Rep. Winkler Says THC Law Part of Push for Marijuana Legalization
Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) is the chief author of a bill to legalize cannabis for adults in Minnesota.
The push to legalize marijuana follows legislation this past session that allows Minnesotans over age 21 to buy edibles and beverages containing limited amounts of hemp-derived THC. The law went into effect on Friday with businesses able to sell edibles.
Staff at the 36th Avenue Smoke Shop in Crystal will soon carry the new THC edibles.
Winkler and other legalization advocates held a press conference Tuesday on marijuana-related issues.
“We absolutely did this on purpose. It was an intentional step forward and it is an opportunity for Minnesota businesses and consumer to have access to a product that can be safe and is widely available and used today, however, through an illicit marketplace,” said Rep. Winkler.
Winkler feels the new THC law could be a step forward toward full legalization of marijuana in Minnesota. The legislation, however, faces a roadblock in the Republican-led state Senate.
“Much work remains undone,” said Winkler. “We must address the harms caused by the war on drugs, including on expunging cannabis criminal records, creating a new marketplace based on equity, and dedicating new revenues to the communities most harmed by cannabis prohibition.”
