pot043008
On the homepage
Scanners
Out There
Gas lines
Club Outdoors
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Medical marijuana group plans ad campaign
The group will show ads on the Internet and TV as a response to arguments against a medical marijuana bill.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
A group advocating a medical marijuana bill in Minnesota said Tuesday that it will run ads to counter what it says are false law-enforcement arguments against the measure.
The group, the Marijuana Policy Project, said three ads will be posted on the Internet and a fourth will run on television statewide. They are designed to allay fears that medical marijuana increases youth access to marijuana, that there is no proven medical value to using medical marijuana, and that there is no support in the medical community for medical marijuana.
"You have certain aspects of the law-enforcement community who are vocally advocating against this bill. We hear certain legislators and the governor's office saying they are not inclined to support his bill based on the words of law enforcement. So we thought it was important to see what law enforcement is saying," said Neal Levine, state director of the group.
Law enforcement officials such as Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion have consistently testified against medical marijuana measures, raising concerns about the medical value of the drug and whether a bill opening up its use would be subject to abuse.
The TV ad features an Ely, Minn., resident, K.K. Forss, who has used marijuana illegally to combat chronic pain caused by a ruptured disk and nerve damage from subsequent surgeries. When he has used marijuana, obtained from friends, muscle spasms were alleviated and he has been able to sleep, he said. It has taken away the side effects of other medications, he said.
A bill that would allow some patients in Minnesota to use medical marijuana has been resurrected this year and awaits a floor vote, which has yet to be scheduled. The bill would not legalize marijuana. But it would allow patients who qualify to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and to receive similar amounts on a regular basis from groups set up to dispense the drug. The measure passed the Minnesota Senate last year but did not receive a House vote.
Echoing concerns from law enforcement, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he is not inclined to support the bill.
Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636
Recent State Politics stories
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - April 29, 2008
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Pawlenty defends budget cuts
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Pawlenty plays courier for Texas donor
- Pawlenty's final deer opener in Little Falls
- MN GOP candidate pushes horse-lover license plates
- Session starts with $1 billion proposal
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Learn how to do it right.
Simplify your job search by learning the best way to approach networking, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.
Tips for getting more for less
Subscribe to the weekly
Win tickets to the North Star Roller Girls' first round of playoffs at the Minneapolis Convention Center.Vita.mn presents the North Star Roller Girls' first round of playoffs at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Feb 20. |
Comment on this story | Read all 2 comments | Hide reader comments