The Governor will have an impact on federal cannabis policy – so where does he stand?

Minnesota Governor Walz leapt into the national spotlight today to be the Vice Presidential candidate in the race toward Election Day. With the Democratic Party upended by the stepping aside of Biden, Walz will be the new vice president contender and a leader in policy decisions.  He has a warm, folksy attitude, but what about Governor Tim Walz and marijuana?

The cannabis industry is eagerly awaiting the outcome of rescheduling. It will be a key federal change for the industry.  While consumers are embracing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, the industry is struggling. The mainly mom and pop businesses have had to fight the black market a variety of types of difficult regulations and zero tax benefits. The federal government is close to rescheduling and the new president will oversee the next steps with cannabis.

Minnesota state legislature voted to legalize weed and Walz was a supporter. As usual, there was significant back and forth and concessions made, but recreational passed in the summer of 2023.  But, as usual, the process of implementation takes longer and the first dispensaries are open.  Currently, the state has 17 open and continues to expand.

Walz spent 24 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a command sergeant major. He was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress when he joined the House in 2007. This should make him an ally of medical marijuana treatment for Veterans, especially around the treatment of PTSD.

There has been one hiccup, Walz appointed a hemp shop owner to be the state’s top cannabis regulator. The next day, they had to step down from the role after the Star Tribune reported the dispensary had sold illegal products and had federal tax liens and judgments against her. Minnesota’s nonpartisan government watchdog the Office of the Legislative Auditor later found the governor’s office missed some standard background check steps before the appointment.

Walz also seems to have some appeal for younger voters, which is critical for cannabis since Gen Z is drifting from alcohol and embracing marijuana more.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

The Fresh Toast