Independence Party platform could support marijuana legalization

The Independence Party of Minnesota could soon be amending its platform to include support for legalized marijuana.

IP delegates will consider a resolution to support the legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana at their state convention, 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Cloud, Minn. State Party Chair Mark Jenkins said delegates at the congressional district level backed the proposal and advanced it to the state convention for further consideration.

"Because it's a platform issue, the delegates at the state convention can tweak the language," Jenkins said. "We may go in with full legalization and after discussions and amendments, it may come out a little different."

IP delegates will also decide whether to lift a longtime party prohibition on accepting contributions from political action committees, and will elect a state party chair. Jenkins is facing a challenge to his bid for re-election from Arvid Sornberger.

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