![Minnesota’s Pro-Marijuana Political Parties Prepare for 2020](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/11/Election-2018.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota’s Pro-Marijuana Political Parties Prepare for 2020
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Two new pro-cannabis political parties in Minnesota that have guaranteed spots on the state ballot are gearing up for the 2020 campaign.
The Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party and the Legal Marijuana Now Party gained major-party status after their candidates performed better than 5% in two statewide elections in 2018.
Representatives of the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party sent petitions to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, top legislative leaders, and Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea. The documents detail a proposal to decriminalize cannabis and allow people to grow marijuana without a permit.
Democratic House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, who plans to introduce a new legalization bill next session, says he will consider the petition. Winkler says he won't be pressured by the parties.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Shooting Death Marks First Homicide of Year in Minneapolis](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/01/Police.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Baby Taken From Mother in Stolen Car Found Safe](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/12/Police-lights.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paul Teachers, Schools Enter Talks For New Contact](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2021/02/shutterstock_1746069446-scaled-e1598542685915.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Crews Douse Fire at Federal Reserve Loading Dock](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/05/Fire1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paul Man Dies Seven Days After Reporting Assault](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/Crime-tape.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Anthony Police Investigating Man Found Dead as Homicide](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/Crime-tape.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minneapolis School Bus Drivers Say They’re Ready to Strike](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2021/09/attachment-maxim-lopez-bqfkKohIFYw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hennepin Medical Examiner Seeking to Identify Woman’s Body](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/09/attachment-GettyImages-1220495008.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Departs for European Trade Mission](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/05/Tim-Walz1.jpg?w=980&q=75)