Federal Spending Bill Has Bonus For Medical Marijuana

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A small section inside the 1,600-page funding bill that would keep the federal government open is comforting Minnesota officials worried about a crackdown on the state's medical marijuana program.

The $1.1 billion spending bill includes a measure banning the Department of Justice from using federal funds to intervene in states with medical marijuana laws.

Manny Munson-Regala, the state official leading buildup of Minnesota's medical cannabis program, says that provision would help alleviate some businesses' concerns about getting involved in medical marijuana only to be shut down by the federal government.

Minnesota is one of 23 states that have legalized medical marijuana, but those laws conflict with federal statute.

Minneapolis attorney Kevin Riach says he doubts the provision would drastically change how the federal government handles the issue.