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Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee<\/a>, has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate\u2014meaning that the ticket now consists of two candidates who support marijuana legalization, in an historic first.<\/p>\n Walz\u2019s record has been consistent: He backed numerous cannabis reform measures in Congress, called for an end to prohibition when he was running for governor and then signed a comprehensive legalization bill into law in 2023.<\/p>\n For drug policy reform advocates, the VP pick is all the more meaningful given that Walz also enacted legislation to broadly decriminalize drug paraphernalia, allow safe consumption sites and create a psychedelics task force.<\/p>\n A military veteran himself, Walz has also prioritized medical cannabis access for the veteran community, and to that end, he sponsored the first piece of standalone marijuana reform legislation to move through a congressional committee, which was a measure meant to promote medical cannabis research for veterans.<\/p>\n Walz\u2019s cannabis record stands in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump\u2019s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH)<\/a>, who has voiced support for states\u2019 rights to legalize but voted against bipartisan banking legislation that passed in committee. Vance has also argued that states that have enacted legalization should increase enforcement activities, complained about the smell of cannabis multiple times and suggested that its use can lead to violence.<\/p>\n With the selection of Walz as Harris\u2019s vice presidential pick, the Democratic ticket is the first in U.S. history where both candidates openly back marijuana legalization, while also supporting social equity initiatives to right the wrongs of criminalization.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where vice presidential nominee Walz stands on marijuana policy:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most impactful policy actions Walz took as governor in 2023 was signing a bill to legalize marijuana, making Minnesota the 23rd state to enact the reform<\/a>.<\/p>\n He strongly advocated for legalization as lawmakers worked to deliver the legislation to his desk, and he also directed state agencies to prepare to implement legalization<\/a> shortly after taking office\u2014years before it appeared that a reform bill could actually pass.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThis has been a long journey with a lot of folks involved,\u201d Walz, who also put legalization language in multiple executive budget proposals<\/a>, said at a signing ceremony. \u201cWhat we know right now is prohibition does not work. We\u2019ve criminalized a lot of folks who are going to start the expungement process on those records.\u201d<\/p>\n Today I signed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions in Minnesota. \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n The governor signed<\/a> a bill in May making several revisions to the state\u2019s marijuana laws, including provisions to allow recreational cultivation to start in 2024. Another measure he approved stipulates that all military veterans to be eligible for cannabis social equity business licenses<\/a>.<\/p>\n Walz also said he supports regulators\u2019 efforts to increase advantages for marijuana social equity applicants<\/a>\u00a0but wants to make sure any steps don\u2019t trigger lawsuits that upend legal sales implementation.<\/p>\n Under the legalization law he approved, Minnesota officials expunged more than 57,000 records for marijuana convictions<\/a>. Additional criminal records will be expunged under the Clean Slate Act, a separate law passed in 2023 that will automatically seal records for non-violent, non-felony crimes beginning in January 2025.<\/p>\n Criminalizing cannabis hasn\u2019t worked. Minnesota recognized this \u2013 and chose a new direction. \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 7, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Also last year, Walz signed signed a pair of large-scale bills that include provisions to establish safe drug consumption sites<\/a> and also create a psychedelics task force meant to prepare the state for possible legalization.<\/p>\n He also enacted a measure that year\u00a0to legalize drug paraphernalia possession, syringe services, residue and testing<\/a>.<\/p>\n Further, he signed a large-scale bill into law in 2022 that included provisions to provide permanent protections allowing state hemp businesses to legally market certain cannabis products<\/a>\u2014including foods and beverages infused with CBD and other cannabinoids that can be sold at bars.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Walz administration came under some scrutiny after it\u00a0hired a lead marijuana regulator<\/a>\u00a0under a process that didn\u2019t follow standard procedures. That official later stepped down.<\/p>\n Criminalizing cannabis hasn\u2019t worked. By legalizing it for adult use, we\u2019re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe. \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n The governor has also engaged in negotiations with a group of tribal nations<\/a> within the state that could make the tribes major players in the marijuana industry<\/span>\u2014both on and off reservation land, including in urban areas. He also said tribes could begin selling cannabis<\/a> prior to licensing becoming available to traditional retailers.<\/p>\n In 2021, he signed a bill that included provisions to expand the state\u2019s medical marijuana program, in part by allowing patients to access smokable cannabis products and edibles<\/a>. Under his administration, regulators also added multiple<\/a> qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, including irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder.<\/p>\n As part of a bill Walz signed in 2023, health care professionals can now certify medical cannabis patients for any condition they see fit.<\/p>\n I spent my career in Congress working to ensure that our veterans have access to the care they need \u2014 and I saw the relief medical cannabis could bring them for chronic pain.<\/p>\n I\u2019m glad @mnhealth<\/a> is working to help more Minnesotans get this same relief.https:\/\/t.co\/JtmdLBDsD6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 3, 2019<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Additionally, he signed off on a proposal allowing medical cannabis caregivers to grow plants for their patients.<\/p>\n During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Walz sponsored legislation to promote<\/a> medical marijuana research for veterans and cosponsored bills to create<\/a> a regulated hemp program and legalize<\/a> non-intoxicating CBD.<\/p>\n The cannabis and veterans measure was the first-ever piece of marijuana reform legislation to clear a congressional committee<\/a>. It passed the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, when Walz was serving as ranking member, in 2018.<\/p>\n\n Walz also voted in favor of a spending bill amendment<\/a> to protect all state marijuana programs from federal interference in 2015, as well as more<\/a> limited<\/a> measures<\/a> to safeguard<\/a> medical cannabis states each time it come up for a vote on the floor while he was in office, in 2007, 2012, 2014 and 2015. He also backed an amendment<\/a> to protect state CBD laws in 2015.<\/p>\n Additionally, he repeatedly voted<\/a> for appropriations<\/a> amendments<\/a> to allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue medical cannabis recommendations in legal states, as well as 2014 measure<\/a> aimed at increasing marijuana businesses access to banking services.<\/p>\n On five occasions, he also voted<\/a> in<\/a> favor<\/a> of amendments<\/a> to protect<\/a> state industrial hemp programs from Justice Department interference.<\/p>\n In 2017, as Walz was running for governor, he pushed for the legalization of adult-use marijuana in Minnesota, saying it\u2019s \u201ctime to create a system of regulation and taxation\u201d for recreational cannabis.<\/p>\n It’s time to create a system of regulation and taxation for adult-use marijuana in MN. Here\u2019s my full statement: https:\/\/t.co\/0aksM5Zz7i<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 8, 2017<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n During his State of the State address in March 2024, he spoke<\/a> about the importance of \u201cfollowing up on the good work this legislature has already done,\u201d including \u201clegalized adult-use cannabis,\u201d saying it requires \u201can enormous amount of work.\u201d<\/p>\n In Congress during the Trump administration, Walz was also critical of then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions\u2019s move to rescind Obama-era guidance that generally urged prosecutorial discretion when it came to state marijuana programs.<\/p>\n While the VA moves (slowly) in the right direction, AG Jeff Sessions is dead set on overruling states that have legalized recreational or medical cannabis, including MN. I’ll keep fighting alongside the 83% of vets & caregivers who support legalizing medical cannabis nationally. https:\/\/t.co\/b6LkoPvxYP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fmr. Rep. Tim Walz (@RepTimWalz) January 4, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Walz also blasted the VA under Trump for declining to initiate a study into the potential therapeutic benefits of marijuana for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.<\/p>\n This is another clear example of how out of touch the Trump Administration is with the American people, especially our nation’s veterans. #Vets4MMJResearch<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/TNy5IAesEF<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fmr. Rep. Tim Walz (@RepTimWalz) January 16, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n He\u2019s also been known to mark the unofficial cannabis holiday 4\/20 by reiterating his support for legalization, though he made clear in 2022 that it\u2019s \u201cno laughing matter\u201d that people continue to be criminalized over marijuana.<\/p>\n Today seems to be a good time to reinforce that I support creating a tax-and-regulate system for adult use marijuana in Minnesota.<\/p>\n \u2014 Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) April 20, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n There are a lot of jokes that people will make today, but the fact that our state still hasn’t expunged cannabis convictions is no laughing matter. We have to get this done.<\/p>\n \u2014 Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) April 20, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n After signing legalization into law, Walz said Republican lawmakers were spreading \u201cmisinformation\u201d about the policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n He also pushed back against a legal argument that the state Constitution allows people to sell their homegrown marijuana without obtaining a license, stating that it was \u201cnot our intention\u201d to authorize that type of commerce under the legalization legislation he approved.<\/p>\n During discussions with legislative leaders about the legalization bill that was advancing, Walz argued for a 15 percent tax rate on cannabis products<\/a>, which is significantly higher than what lawmakers were proposing.<\/p>\n In August 2023, the governor said that Iowa adults are welcome to visit his state, catch a baseball game and buy marijuana under the state\u2019s legalization law<\/a>.<\/p>\n High-paying jobs + paid leave + good schools + adult-use cannabis + reproductive freedom = the best state<\/p>\n Millennial math \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) September 27, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n After President Joe Biden announced his first round of mass pardons for people who\u2019ve committed federal marijuana possession offenses, Walz said that represented a \u201ccritical step forward,\u201d but he reaffirmed that he supports legalization coupled with expungements of prior cannabis records.<\/p>\n Federal pardons for marijuana possession are a critical step forward, but Minnesotans want us to #LegalizeMN<\/a> and expunge cannabis possession convictions. It\u2019s time.<\/p>\n \u2014 Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) October 7, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Both in Congress and as governor, Walz has promoted hemp legalization and the market\u2019s economic potential.<\/p>\n Minnesota\u2019s economy is built on agricultural innovation. Today I was pleased to hear directly from our farmers and tour an industrial hemp farm.<\/p>\n At a time when farmers face uncertainty in our markets, industrial hemp allows them to add value to our agricultural economy. pic.twitter.com\/kUE00Shl5u<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 30, 2019<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Prior to signing legalization into law in Minnesota, the governor touted a bill he signed that created a regulatory framework allowing for the marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoids.<\/p>\n This is a good first step to expand our economy, but there\u2019s more to do. We need to #LegalizeMN<\/a> and expunge cannabis convictions in our state.https:\/\/t.co\/9mOlrtOnhL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) July 1, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n It does not appear that Walz has publicly commented on any personal experience with marijuana.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s difficult to predict what could be achieved under a Harris-Walz administration without knowing what the composition of Congress would look like, the ticket\u2019s election would represent the first time that both top executives in the federal government have proactively supported marijuana legalization, which could aid in legislative efforts to enact the reform.<\/p>\n That would likely give state marijuana markets a sense of relief, with the prospect of federal enforcement actions negligible under a president who has called for legalization as recently as March 2024 and a vice president who signed legalization into law in his state.<\/p>\n To what extent they would prioritize cannabis reform is uncertain, of course.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Walz\u2019s embrace of harm reduction drug policies and psychedelics research would give advocates reason to be enthusiastic about the prospects of extending the national reform conversation beyond cannabis.<\/p>\n Where Trump\u2019s Vice Presidential Running Mate J.D. Vance Stands On Marijuana<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n The post Where Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz Stands On Marijuana<\/a> appeared first on Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee, has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate\u2014meaning that the ticket now consists of two candidates who support marijuana legalization, in an historic first. Walz\u2019s record has been consistent: He backed numerous cannabis reform measures in Congress, called forContinue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":458,"featured_media":77246,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,81],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77245"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77245"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77247,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77245\/revisions\/77247"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Legislation And Policy Actions<\/h2>\n
Minnesota governor (2019-present)<\/h3>\n
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This is the right move for Minnesota.<\/p>\n\n
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That\u2019s why we legalized adult-use cannabis and are expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions in Minnesota<\/p>\n\n
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I\u2019m proud to have signed this bill into law.<\/p>\n\n
Congress (2007-2019)<\/h3>\n
Past Comments And Social Media Posts<\/h2>\n
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Personal Experience With Marijuana<\/h2>\n
Marijuana Under A Harris-Walz Administration<\/h2>\n
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\nRead More: Where Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz Stands On Marijuana<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"