Governor Dayton Downplays Chances of Medical Marijuana Bill’s Passage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In his most expansive public comments on medical marijuana, Gov. Mark Dayton has downplayed the prospects of a bill becoming law.

Dayton spoke Thursday with reporters before meeting privately with those trying to make it a legal medicine for those with debilitating diseases. Dayton says there is virtually no chance for passage of a bill allowing smoking of marijuana. A deal on other forms remains elusive because law enforcement is resistant.

The bill stalled in the Legislature, and Dayton says he won't sign legislation police oppose. But he adds that no one should be caused undue pain.

Dayton scrambled to clarify a remark that possessing small amounts of marijuana is merely a petty misdemeanor. He says he isn't advocating that people take their chances and buy it on the street.