We're five towns into our 15-stop Be Heard On Cannabis tour and I'm going over the comment cards we've received so far. Minnesotans have shared thoughtful stories and insightful ideas on how we should legalize cannabis for adult use in a safe, responsible way.
From St. Paul to Bemidji, Minnesotans have been clear: our cannabis laws are not working for Minnesota. Our conversation focused on driving impairment, and we had an expert join who talked about how we can make sure legalizing cannabis doesn't put drivers in danger. An interesting fact he shared is that the increased likelihood of an accident with two extra car passengers is 220%, while the increased likelihood of an accident under a moderate amount of THC is 40%.
We need to take a responsible public health approach to improving Minnesota’s cannabis laws - we can’t ignore the risks but we need to put them in perspective with potential benefits to public health, criminal justice, and care for veterans.
We have quite a few Be Heard on Cannabis meetings coming up - be sure to check the events on my Facebook page so you know where we'll be! Here are details for the next three meetings:
Eden Prairie "Be Heard on Cannabis" Community Conversation
When: Monday, November 18, 6:30 PM
Where: Eden Prairie Community Center, Cambria Room
16700 Valley View Road,
Eden Prairie, MN
Who: Hosted by Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden, Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Rep. Laurie Pryor, Rep. Brad Tabke, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, with Special Guests Doug Friednash, Former Colorado Legislator and Former Chief of Staff to Gov. John Hickenlooper, and Stanley Garnett, Former District Attorney for Boulder County
Eagan "Be Heard on Cannabis" Community Conversation
When: Tuesday, November 19, 6:30 PM
Where: Eagan Community Center, South Oaks Meeting Room
1501 Central Parkway,
Eagan, MN
Who: Hosted by Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden, Rep. Laurie Halverson, Rep. Sandra Masin, with Special Guests Doug Friednash, Former Colorado Legislator and Former Chief of Staff to Gov. John Hickenlooper, and Stanley Garnett, Former District Attorney for Boulder County
Saint Peter "Be Heard on Cannabis" Community Conversation
When: Wednesday, November 20, 6PM
Where: Gustavus Adolphus College Heritage Banquet Room
800 W College Ave,
Saint Peter, MN 56082
Who: Hosted by Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden, Rep. Jeff Brand, Rep. Jack Considine, and Senator Nick Frentz.
How you can help
1. Come to our events, and bring a friend who's undecided or wants to learn more about cannabis.
2. Talk to us on social! Consider sharing an event, or a post on our Facebook page.
3. Talk to your State Senator or State Representative. Not sure who that is? Find them here.
4. Visit our website to take the House Speaker's survey and find more events.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions and suggestions!
Sincerely,
Ryan Winkler
Majority Leader
