WC Minnesota News

After Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) and Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis) announced a plan for legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) issued a statement pointing out what he calls a “mixed message” from the Democrats in the state.

“Minnesota Democrats continue to send a mixed message to Minnesotans on the impact of substance use in our state. At a time when Democrats are calling for Tobacco 21 and a crackdown on vaping, they are moving full steam ahead with legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, calling it a 'top priority' this session,” Ingebrigtsen wrote. “As our state and nation continue to come to terms with an ongoing opioid crisis, how can Governor Walz and Democrat leadership honestly believe that recreational marijuana will not have a negative impact across our communities? Have they not seen the statistics?"

He questioned how Democrats would handle a rise in marijuana consumption by teens, an increase in traffic accidents caused by those driving under the influence, and what he called “a startling rise in mental health issues and suicide.” Instead, Ingebrightsen urged Democrats to focus on reducing the costs of healthcare, cracking down on government fraud and failure, and improving education and infrastructure.