Dayton Opposes Eased Marijuana Laws

ST. PAUL (AP) - With other states moving to relax marijuana laws, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton remains resistant to allowing possession of the drug for medical or recreational use in his state.

The Democratic governor addressed the issue in a wide-ranging interview Friday with The Associated Press. Eighteen states allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and Colorado and Washington have decriminalized possession of small amounts for any purpose.

Proposals to allow medical marijuana in Minnesota have been stuck amid opposition from law enforcement. But advocates plan to push again in the 2013 session. Dayton says he won't budge unless law enforcement signs off on a deal that includes strict controls on how accessible the drug would be.

But, in Dayton's words, "I don't think we need another drug operating in our society."

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)