Lawmakers Pass Measure Allowing Medical Marijuana
A bill making Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
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A bill making Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
It's the news for which thousands of Minnesota families have waited. State lawmakers reached a deal Thursday that will make medical marijuana legal. Angela Garin watches her son have seizures daily. Now, the St. Paul mom hopes medical marijuana will help him and thousands of others.
Minnesota lawmakers have a deal on a medical marijuana bill that would set up eight distribution sites and allow qualified patients to access the drug in oil, pill and vapor form. The agreement announced Thursday was crafted to suit concerns of Gov. Mark Dayton, who backs it.
Two very different plans for legalizing medical marijuana in Minnesota went to a legislative conference committee on Tuesday, leaving advocates hoping for an agreement acceptable enough to Gov. Mark Dayton to become law.
Gov. Mark Dayton says he's still hopeful lawmakers can fashion a medical marijuana compromise that gets help to ailing people but doesn't allow for access he fears would be too wide. Dayton said Monday that he has top aides working with legislators on a bill that can become law.
The next move in legalization of medical marijuana in Minnesota is up to the state Senate. Senators could vote Monday to adopt a House bill that is more restrictive than theirs.
This week, the Minnesota House and Senate will have to hammer out differences between the Senate and House versions of a medical marijuana law.
Minnesota lawmakers face a shrinking pile of unfinished business as they sprint this week toward the end of the legislative session and the campaign season just beyond.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has sent a letter to House and Senate sponsors of their respective medical-marijuana bills. Dayton said he would sign the bill into law if legislators adopted the House version as is. Dayton sent the letter to Minneapolis Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble and Hibbing Democratic Rep. Carly Melin soon after the House passed a medical-marijuana proposal on Friday.
The Minnesota House overwhelmingly passed a bill on Friday that would legalize marijuana use for medical reasons but under tighter restrictions than a bill passed by the Senate earlier in the week.
A bill with tight limits on use of marijuana as medicine has reached a pivotal Minnesota House vote. Days after the Senate overwhelmingly passed a more-expansive version, House lawmakers planned to debate its own proposal and almost 50 potential amendments Friday.
Many families didn't want to wait for a law in Minnesota to help their sick kids. They moved to Colorado to get access to marijuana. WCCO caught up with one family seeing some big changes in their daughter after their move.
The Minnesota state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
A bill to legalize medical marijuana is headed to the Senate floor after passage by the Finance Committee. The committee passed the bill 14-7 on Monday after adding a few wrinkles to the legislation.
A rift among Minnesota supporters of allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes could make it harder to push legalization through the legislature this year. Committees in both the House and Senate were debating competing legislation Friday. A Senate panel stripped the option of smoking marijuana as medication from its bill on Thursday. But the House version is even more limited in how the drug may be accessed.
Democratic House leaders say they have a new compromise proposal on medical marijuana that is unopposed by law enforcement. Their proposal would create a limited clinical trial for children and adults suffering from severe illnesses.
One more Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The Senate Judiciary Committee gave the OK Wednesday despite opposition from law enforcement including Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman.
A Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The chamber's Committee on State and Local Government advanced the legislation after questions on how a program would be set up and run.
With just three weeks left in this year's session, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed a new version of the bill that includes a state study on how medical marijuana availability would impact Minnesota.
Supporters of medical marijuana plan to continue their push for its legalization at the State Capitol on Tuesday. The group, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care, says they now have 100 Minnesota doctors, pastors and clergy members who support legal access to medical marijuana.
As a medical marijuana bill remains a controversial issue in Minnesota, Wisconsin has approved a bill for a marijuana component.
Lawmakers will be less than a month from the mandatory session finish line when they return to the Capitol after Easter, but don't be surprised if they make an earlier break for it. Much of the heavy lifting of the election-year session is done. Negotiators from the House, Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton's administration forecast more ease than usual buttoning up remaining tax and budget bills.
Medical marijuana has not yet been snuffed out in Minnesota. Sen. Scott Dibble, a Minneapolis Democrat, took up the gauntlet Gov. Mark Dayton threw down this week when he dared legislators to vote on the proposal if they felt they could pass it, declining to say if he would veto it.
A possible Minnesota House vote on legalizing medical marijuana has been delayed for a couple of weeks. Republican Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington was hoping to attach an amendment that would legalize medical marijuana to a separate health bill. But that bill has been pulled from Wednesday's docket until after the Legislature's Passover/Easter break that begins the next day.
Advocates of medical marijuana aren't giving up at the State Capitol, despite opposition from Gov. Mark Dayton. A bill to legalize medical marijuana is stalled at the legislature, but supporters -- including mothers of sick children -- are asking the governor to reconsider.
David "Diggy" Coit scored 20 of his 28 in the final 13-plus minutes, including the game's final seven points, to help Maryland beat Minnesota 67-62.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Every parent will tell you, kids see everything, they hear everything and so there's no doubt little eyes and hearts are seeing and feeling the tension, especially of the last few weeks.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Every parent will tell you, kids see everything, they hear everything and so there's no doubt little eyes and hearts are seeing and feeling the tension, especially of the last few weeks.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Environmentalists are sounding the alarm on the potential harm of a precious metals mine that could be built on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters. Meanwhile, those who support the project say it will bring hundreds of jobs, pump billions of dollars into the regional economy and make the U.S. less dependent on other countries for vital minerals. Our Charlie De Mar spoke to those on both sides of the controversial issue as a potential Senate vote is just days away.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
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Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
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David "Diggy" Coit scored 20 of his 28 in the final 13-plus minutes, including the game's final seven points, to help Maryland beat Minnesota 67-62.
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Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
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On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
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WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs return to the mid 30s this afternoon with the help of a SE wind and a little sunshine to end the day.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says warmth will return to wrap up the weekend.
Lindsey Vonn's long-awaited Olympic comeback hit a heartbreaking halt during the downhill race this morning in Italy. Vonn crashed 13 point 4 seconds into her downhill race this morning in Italy. WCCO's Marielle Mohs went to Buck Hill in Burnsville, Vonn's childhood ski hill, to talk to skiers reacting to the unexpected setback.
Environmentalists are sounding the alarm on the potential harm of a precious metals mine that could be built on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters. Meanwhile, those who support the project say it will bring hundreds of jobs, pump billions of dollars into the regional economy and make the U.S. less dependent on other countries for vital minerals. Our Charlie De Mar spoke to those on both sides of the controversial issue as a potential Senate vote is just days away.
While some Twin Cities families are staying home to avoid ICE agents, some class sizes are shrinking. “If they take me and leave the children,” - that's how one St. Paul woman is framing up her efforts to prepare her children if she is taken by ICE. Laurie Perez shares her story.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
In an effort to push back on Operation Metro Surge dozens of businesses in the Twin Cities are fundraising. They're using everything from beer, to ice cream, to art. Ashley Grams shows us how the community is coming together.