Legal Marijuana Now Party weeded out by MN state court, loses major party status

Sam Woodward, USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Supreme Court knocked the Legal Marijuana Party down a peg after opposition was raised by the state's Democratic Party.

The seven-seat court ruled last Friday that the party did not fulfill the requirements to maintain major party after Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin petitioned in February against them, accusing them of not fulfilling their duties to maintain status.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a press release that the party must now file a notice that it was able to meet the minor party status standards.

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Here's what you need to know.

What does major party status look like in Minnesota?

There are a number of major party requirements in the state, some of which were put in place this year.

  • In 2022, major parties must have held a convention for each congressional district, and at a minimum 45 legislative districts and counties.

  • In previous elections, have received sufficient support.

  • Have an executive committee for each congressional district, and at a minimum 45 legislative districts and counties.

More: How to register to vote if you are experiencing homelessness

What does the Legal Marijuana Party stand for?

You guessed it, legalizing marijuana. Last August, Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis, becoming the 23rd state to do so.

So what is this party asking for?

According to their website, the following:

  • Legalizing cannabis

  • Erasing past marijuana convictions

  • Banning drug testing by employers

  • Abolishing of the Drug Enforcement Administration

How will this affect the November election?

After losing their major party status, they will not enjoy automatic ballot access. Legal Marijuana Now candidates currently on the November ballot will remain, as long as they receive enough petition signatures, said Secretary Simon in the statement.

  • Statewide races: 2,000 signatures

  • Congressional races: 1,000 signatures

  • State legislative races: 500 signatures

Per the Secretary of State's Office, candidates have from May 21 to June 4 to collect all of these signatures excluding a presidential and vice-presidential run which has until Aug. 30.

Currently, there are four candidates running under the Legal Marijuana Now party for president: Edward Forchion, Rudy Reyes, Dennis Schuller and Vermin Supreme.

The party said in a statement they will appeal to the United States Supreme Court.

— Sam Woodward is the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today. You can reach her at swoodward@gannett.com, on X @woodyreports, or on Threads @samjowoody

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Legal Marijuana Now lost major party status in MN Supreme Court ruling