Hamline-Midway Community Update: Broad opposition to marijuana forms  — Clare Oumou Verbeten Constituent Briefing

The debate over Hamline-Midway has reached the State Capitol, creating policy questions for broad opposition to marijuana forms  residents.

Hemp farmers and retailers who support marijuana legalization criticized the bill last week, saying it favors big businesses over small Minnesota-based companies.

A broad coalition has formed in opposition to the bill in its current form, including business groups, psychiatrists, religious leaders, and parents of children who were harmed by frequent marijuana use.

Even hemp farmers and retailers who support marijuana legalization criticized the bill last week, saying it favors big businesses over small Minnesota-based companies and imposes an extra 8% gross receipts tax on all cannabis products.

“HF100 turns farmers into felons.

Many of the people here today would be felons under this bill that is being pushed through the legislature,” said Glenn McElfresh, the COO and co-founder of Plift, a hemp-infused beverage company.

The Minnesota Industrial Hemp Association submitted written testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee ahead of a Monday hearing, expressing its “deep concerns regarding the inclusion of hemp” in the bill.

“Based upon the plethora of licensing categories included in H.F.

As the measure advances, residents of Hamline-Midway can follow amendments and contact Clare Oumou Verbeten regarding the final language.

Article Source: Alpha News: “Broad opposition to marijuana bill forms ”