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| Date: | March 15, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Libbie Krueger | | Contact Phone: | 651.296.1388 | | Contact Email: | elizabeth.krueger@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| NEWMAN MOVES BILL TO RESTRICT SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA Bill to Criminalize Possession, Sale of Synthetic Marijuana Sent to Senate Floor |
(ST. PAUL) - On Wednesday, a bipartisan bill to help combat the possession and sale of synthetic marijuana passed through the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) authored the bill which modifies the definition of synthetic marijuana and enhances the penalties for selling such substances.
While possession of synthetic marijuana would still be classified as a misdemeanor, the proposed legislation specifies that the sale of the product would carry a five year felony penalty. If the bill is signed it would become effective August 1, 2012.
“Last year, we passed legislation to outlaw synthetic marijuana. However, some dealers have already found ways around those laws by changing the chemical makeup of the drug. The bill tries to stay ahead of the production of new drugs or chemicals that are hitting the streets which should be illegal to possess or sell but currently are not,” said Newman.
Although legislation to outlaw the substance was passed last year, certain forms of synthetic cannabinoids can still be legally bought and sold in stores across Minnesota. Senate File 2319 makes improvements to the current law and allows law enforcement to file charges based on the underlying structure of synthetic cannabinoids.
The bipartisan bill was drafted in response to the dangerous effects of the sale of the drug on communities across the state.
“When businesses are able to legally sell mind-altering drugs, the entire community can feel the negative effects. I am hopeful that this legislation will help law enforcement bring charges against those who pedal these dangerous, unknown chemical mixtures in Minnesota Main Street businesses,” Newman concluded.
The legislation passed through the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety committee on a voice vote and will move to the Senate floor.
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