Sen. Foung Hawj Says Bill to Legalize Adult-use Cannabis Passes His Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee

Former Governor Jesse Ventura Testifies “Cannabis Saved My Life” After it Helped Stop His Wife’s Chronic Seizures Years Ago

ST. PAUL, Minn. Senator Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul), Chair of the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee, said his panel has passed legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use Cannabis (SF-73) on Thursday, with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura testifying in favor of the bill because “cannabis saved my life.” 

Gov. Ventura told the panel that after searching for medications that could help stop his wife’s chronic seizures, it was only after she tried medical marijuana in Colorado a decade ago that her seizures stopped.  He said legalization could bring the price down by opening the current market to competition, providing benefits to others who need it.

“Former Governor Ventura was very compelling in his testimony before my committee about his wife’s medical condition and the need for Minnesota to join other states in legalizing it,” said Sen. Hawj.  “My committee heard the bill because of the water quality and solid provisions in the legislation.  But it was good to hear from the former governor about his wife’s medical condition and about the need for Minnesota to back this legislation.”

Senator Lindsey Port is the chief author of the Senate’s legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis (SF73).  Following the testimony from Gov. Ventura and other witnesses, the committee passed the legislation.

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Senator Foung Hawj
Foung Hawj represents District 67, which includes the east side of Saint Paul in Ramsey County in the central Twin Cities metropolitan area.

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