When Democrats won control of the entire legislature and the governor’s office, we knew their agenda would be extreme. But after one month, they are still surprising us with just how extreme they can be.

One of the hot items on their to-do list is legalizing marijuana. The sheer volume of research and data we have about the dangers of legalizing marijuana would stop most reasonable people in their tracks. Unfortunately, Democrats do not seem to care.

1. Last year’s law that legalized cannabis edibles in Minnesota is already having terrible consequences for children: 2022 saw more than three times as many pediatric cannabis edible exposures in Minnesota compared to 2021.

2. Approximately 30% of people who use marijuana become addicted, and the risk of developing a use disorder is much greater if you start during youth or adolescence.

3. People who marijuana have higher rates of temporary psychosis and long-lasting mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Marijuana has also been linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Again, the link is stronger the earlier you start.

4. Marijuana use is especially risky for young people and developing brains. Marijuana use in teens has been linked to higher rates of mental health issues, potential for addiction, difficulty problem-solving, memory and learning problems, lack of focus, and more. Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. In 2019, 37% of US high school students reported using marijuana at some point in their life, and 22% reported use in the past 30 days. We know if marijuana is legalized, these numbers will spike. 

When I was on the school board, a superintendent told me something that surprised me: youth consumption of addictive substances typically begins in large numbers three years earlier than the legal consumption age. In other words, if you make marijuana legal at age 18, you can expect dramatic effects on children starting at age 15. 

The dangers of legalizing marijuana are significant and far-reaching. From the impact on health to the potential harm to young people and society as a whole, the negative consequences are too numerous to ignore. Marijuana may have an easy-going reputation, but it is incredibly harmful. 

The Democrat effort to legalize it here is taking us down a dangerous and destructive path.

I love hearing your feedback. If you have any questions or comments about the issues we are working on, please contact me anytime. My email is [email protected], or you can call me at 651-296-4131.

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It is a privilege to serve you. God Bless.

Glenn Gruenhagen,

Senate District 17

Capitol Address

95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg. 2417
St. Paul, MN 55155

651-296-4131