Sensible Minnesota

Sensible Policies, Safer Communities

In 2015, four experienced advocates opted to move away from the politics of cannabis law reform, moving on to support persons harmed by prohibition and affecting policy change through strategic moves, which further decrease the harms of prohibition on individuals. Since then, the organization has grown and now is the only volunteer-led and run charitable non-profit in the state dealing specifically in drug policy reform. We believe that sensible policies will lead us to safer communities, and we are the problem solvers that will get Minnesota there.

Since our founding, Sensible Minnesota has made policy progress through certain administrative rule reforms and the addition of post-traumatic stress disorder and autism spectrum disorder as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Minnesota. In 2019, the organization petitioned for the addition of chronic (distinguishing from currently allowed intractable) pain as qualifying conditions, and dissolvable oral uptake as a permitted delivery method; a decision on these expansions is due in early December.

We also spend time in communities throughout Minnesota speaking on the effects of prohibition, benefits of medical cannabis, and the theory of harm reduction in the context of drug policy reform. This year, Sensible Minnesota hosted our third annual Minnesota Cannabis Summit, an opportunity for patients, advocates from throughout the state to come together and expand their knowledge base through a wide variety of sessions related to cannabis and drug policy reform.

Finally, Sensible Minnesota works behind the scenes. We work with media outlets locally and nationally to give a voice to patients and advocates on important stories relating to cannabis. We research and provide statistical information to media outlets and other activists. The organization is actively researching medical cannabis pricing and the economic impact of cannabis legalization in Minnesota for publication in a 2020 white paper. Through our partnership with Students for Sensible Drug Policy, we are educating and motivating young activists on how to be successful in advocating for drug policy reforms.

2019 was a busy year for Sensible Minnesota! 

Just this year we:

• Held the 3rd annual Minnesota Cannabis Summit, with keynote speakers Ophelia Chong of Stock Pot Images and Asian Americans for Cannabis Education, Betty Aldworth of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and Dr. Stephen Dahmer of Vireo Health. We also hosted 13 breakout speakers, 11 industry sponsors, and over 130 attendees!
• Did outreach at various events, including the State Fair and a screening of Mary Janes: The Women of Weed.
• Provided over 100 prospective patients and caregivers with resources on Minnesota’s medical cannabis program.
• Petitioned the Commissioner of Health for the addition of Chronic Pain as a qualifying condition and oral dissolvable as an allowable delivery method.
• Launching our 501(c)4 affiliate organization, Sensible Change Minnesota, allowing us to lobby on behalf of medical cannabis patients at the Minnesota State Capitol to push our #PatientsFirst agenda, which would reduce costs and increase patient access via reforms such as additional manufacturers and vaporized raw flower as a delivery method.
• Provided support to Sensible Change Minnesota through expert testimony in legislative hearings about the barriers to access patients face in Minnesota.

On the horizon, we are working on:

• A standing display at the North Hall of the State Capitol, showcasing victims of prohibition, including medical cannabis patients, in an effort to educate lawmakers.
• Revamping our patient advocacy program via new training, software, and outreach opportunities, in an effort to be more responsive to medical cannabis patients seeking assistance navigating the state program
• Securing speaking engagements throughout the state, including sending two of our board members as subject matter experts to Appleton, Wisconsin to provide information on cannabis legalization and laws to students at Fox Valley Technical College.
• Developing the next generation of organizational leaders through targeted outreach and training.

In order to move these projects forward, we need your help! Our team is 100% volunteer led and run. Can't make a donation, but want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer: https://sensible.mn/take-action/volunteer/

   A video of our efforts to expand access to medical cannabis in Minnesota.