The movement to legalize recreational marijuana in the State of Minnesota is now further than it's ever been. The democrat introduced bill has passed 12 house committees and now ill be up for a vote Thursday in Minnesota's Democrat controlled House of Representatives.

Kare11 reports that DFL leaders say they "have no doubt" that the bill will be passed during Thursday's vote that is scheduled for 4:30 pm. House Majority Leader Representative Ryan Winkler believes that the only thing that will change with legalized recreational marijuana is there will be less incarcerations and people will be able to make responsible adult decisions about cannabis.

The bill would make it legal for anyone over 21 to buy pot from a licensed retailer, and they would be allowed to have up to 10 pounds at home. That's a lot of weed. Also the bill would expunge records for people with past misdemeanor marijuana convictions.

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However, just because the bill is expected to pass the house, it will face a tough battle in the GOP controlled Senate. Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says that legalizing recreational marijuana isn't a Minnesota priority. He says that they are focused on balancing the state budget, re-opening schools, recovering the economy and helping families.

Gazelka did say that he is open to looking at additional medicinal uses and discuss drug sentencing changes. He also cites concern about the consequences of recreational pot, and says there is no reason to rush this in the state without learning more.

Currently in the US, there are 17 states that have legalized recreational marijuana. In fact, according to an article in Rolling Stone, there are now more recreational legal states than there are states where there hasn't been any medicinal or recreational legalization.

While I wouldn't give this bill a great chance to pass the senate, it still is a big step towards what many would call the eventual legalization.

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