state + local

We would need a lot less cops if possession of Marijuana in small quantities would be illegal. The private prison industry, liquor industry and the cops are against legalization of Marijuana. I think the best way to deal with this is to have this on the ballot and let the people decide.

Forget medical marijuana. Forget decriminalization. It is WAY past time to legalize cannabis outright. Let's watch Washington State and Colorado, learn from their experience, and recognize that we're talking about a substance far more benign than just about any other drug, legal or not.

Mark Dayton, you work for Minnesotans NOT the Minnesota's law enforcement community. Support this, and you will be re-elected!

You too the words right out of my mouth, upnorth85.

Just what we need, another way to escape the responsibilities of citizenship.

IFF (if and only if) the use of marijuana would not increase if legalized/decriminalized, I would say that the benefits far outweight the costs. Big "if", though!

From Washington here! It has been legal for medical use for years! The state has never crumbled, no one has died, no domestic violence from it etc etc, the list could go on. Now that its legal for everyone, again no domestic, no deaths no issues from this! Let it go, let people actually be free! I have the right to smoke a cigarette that will probably give me cancer or drink way too much (not that I do but I can) end up with medical issues, many get violent, black out, etc etc but a substance that is natural and has never been linked to an issue is illegal? Thats our government at work folks. And I get laughed at when I say life out west is way better, you actually still have a say back there.

csjohn1: "Just what we need, another way to escape the responsibilities of citizenship" So let's keep forcing people to alcohol, or prescription drugs then? Yeah, from where I'm sitting and the data I've seen that's probably not the best idea. What's so wrong with providing responsible adults a safer alternative?

please let it happen here...i can feel my back hurting already

Decades work as RN in Detox/Rehab/Community health and I say unfund prohibition. The few who abuse drugs need treatment the rest are frree to live their lives. (safe prison for violent people) Regarding cannabis it is best anti-nausea medicine, and works well to replace/reduce deadly RX pain/mental health drugs. Safer than alcohol. No one EVER died from an overdose. btw, police in 1920s fought alcohol prohibition--follow the money it is about saving their jobs, NOTHING about public safety. Conservative Maine has had med marijuana for ages & w/o problem. Also public paid employees should not lobby to stop legislation while on duty(police, county attorneys etc).