During the past legislative session, no legislator fought harder against legalizing access to medical cannabis than Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria).
Formerly sheriff of Douglas County, Ingebrigtsen voiced many of the objections cop lobbyists shared against a well-regulated system of dispensaries, voting against both the original Dibble bill (HF1641) and the watered-down "compromise" that is now waiting Governor Dayton's signature.
Classic case in point? The letter Bluestem shared in Ingebrigtsen & Rosen warn colleagues about "dangerously addictive" pot that rips apart families.
But now, with the ink not yet on the bill, the Alexandria Republican complains that medical cannabis will remain a distant dream for suffering Minnesotans in rural areas. Forum Communications veteran political observer Don Davis reports in Mixed grades on Greater Minnesota’s legislative issues:
. . . If water may be easier to obtain in at least one rural area, medical marijuana may be tough to buy, said Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria.
“That’s going to be an issue: access for all Minnesotans,” Ingebrigtsen said. “You are going to have potentially eight different distribution centers, depending on the population. If you’re in a denser populated area, you’re probably going to have more. That’s going to be an issue. You may end up running toward the metro to get your medical marijuana, should you need that.
Perhaps Ingebrigtsen can work with Senator Dibble on solving that problem next session.
Photo: Senator Bill Ingebrittsen, R-Alexandria.
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If any one of his constituents thinks this guy is doing nothing more then damage control on his stance against the sick and dying people of Minnesota they get what they deserve. You can't change old white haired dinosaurs unless it becomes one of his family, close friend or relative whose suffering then wakes him up to reality. Those who already know, merely vote them out. Alexandria needs someone to represent them who is open-minded enough to embrace reality.
To me, He is a tick on the face of a dying cancer patient, sucking the life and blood out of those he could help. Ignoring their pleas to let them choose their medicine and their quality of life as they die and suffer from their disease.
As I fight on in honor of my daughter who used cannabis for severe nausea, and pain before she died, and for the sick and dying in Minnesota to be able to use cannabis as a medicine without legal ramifications. I feel nothing but pity for such an unyielding stance.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks and this old dog's gotta go in the next election.
We all will face death someday, I just hope when it's his turn, compassion will have prevailed and if he needs it, it will be his choice without fear of arrest, and not others who decide for him.
Posted by: Joni L Whting | May 22, 2014 at 11:27 AM