Should Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Cover Medical Marijuana?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in Minnesota and around the world. Of course, it impacts the daily lives of many Minnesotans, but there are a few stand-out issues still impacted by the pandemic – issues like workers’ compensation.

Here is what you need to know about the latest workers’ compensation extensions due to COVID. This includes whether the government views medical marijuana as a valid or invalid expense in workers’ compensation claims.

In Minnesota, workers’ compensation laws have recently been amended. How?

For certain workers, the law now includes a presumption of liability when a worker tests positive for COVID-19. Under Minnesota’s occupational disease statute, this new provision creates a presumption if COVID-19 is contracted [...]

Minnesota Senate Still Stands Against Recreational Weed Reform

It seems as if states all around Minnesota are making recreational marijuana legal. However, Minnesota doesn’t seem quite ready to make the leap – though some lawmakers are trying.

Last year, Democratic leaders in the legislature introduced a bill that would legalize marijuana in the state comprehensively. The coronavirus held up that legislation, but Republican lawmakers did not seem eager to embrace the bill and the changes it would bring to the state.

There are many reasons that legalization would help Minnesota, from jobs to tax revenue, but it remains illegal. In fact, if you are caught with marijuana in the state, there are some serious legal consequences you could face.

Here’s what anyone who partakes in this state should [...]

MN Legislators Still Side with Feds on Recreational Marijuana

Even though many Minnesota voters want to see the blanket legalization of marijuana in the state, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. Minnesota statutes still very much align with federal laws on marijuana being used recreationally.

That doesn’t seem to stop folks from doing it anyway. In October, a traffic stop in Nobles County, for instance, led to the discovery of 70 pounds of marijuana.

The stop resulted in charges of second-degree drug possession and first-degree drug sale for the driver, both serious crimes that can potentially lead to up to 30 years in jail and fines in the millions.

Legislators Working to Legalize, but for Now, Recreational Use is Illegal

Contrary to the serious consequences the accused [...]