Marijuana Policy Project PAC Makes Maximum Financial Contribution to Jeff Johnson for Governor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) PAC has contributed $4,000 to the campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson. The contribution to the Johnson for Governor Campaign is the maximum allowed under Minnesota law.

Johnson is challenging Gov. Mark Dayton in the Minnesota gubernatorial election following a legislative session in which the governor refused to support a compassionate and comprehensive medical marijuana program championed by patients and approved by the Minnesota Senate. The contribution was made in light of Johnson’s support for the more inclusive legislation. A matching contribution was made to the Senate DFL PAC as well.

The medical marijuana proposal supported by Johnson and a bipartisan Senate coalition would have protected an estimated 30,000 seriously ill Minnesotans, according to a fiscal analysis prepared by the state. Gov. Dayton refused to sign such a bill and insisted on a restrictive program that will only help an estimated 5,000 patients. The governor’s resistance also resulted in the law prohibiting the use of marijuana in its natural form, requiring patients to use oils or extracts that will be produced by just two manufacturers for the entire state. Some patients have said they will not sign up for the program because whole plant cannabis is the most effective form of treatment for their conditions.

Statement from Robert Capecchi, deputy director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project:

“Jeff Johnson’s support for the more comprehensive, Senate-approved medical marijuana proposal demonstrates that compassion is not a partisan issue. That program would have provided much-needed relief to the tens of thousands of seriously ill Minnesotans that Gov. Dayton left behind in order to appease his friends in law enforcement.

“An overwhelming majority of Minnesotans agree that individuals with serious illnesses should be allowed to use medical marijuana if their doctors believe it will effectively treat their conditions. We’re relieved that some patients will benefit from the medical marijuana bill that was enacted this year, but thousands of Minnesotans have been left out in the cold. Jeff Johnson want to fix this problem, and we’re proud to support him.”

The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation’s largest marijuana policy organization, has been responsible for changing most state-level marijuana laws since 2000. For more information, visit http://www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.