GROUP FUMING OVER MARIJUANA LEGISLATION

The conservative Minnesota Family Council criticized legislation supported
by Sens. Becky Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, and Sam Solon, DFL-Duluth, that would
allow the production and use of marijuana for medical purposes with a
doctor's order.

The council's Tom Prichard said marijuana has no proven medical benefit,
adding that social approval of any drug could confuse children. ``This
legislation will weaken the message to children that drugs are dangerous
(and) sabotage America's efforts to win the war on drugs,'' Prichard said in
a press release Friday.

Lourey said she won't argue with patients who have reported pain relief
after using marijuana. As for confusing children, Lourey said, ```Kids know
a whole lot more than some narrow-minded adults. Kids' minds are pretty
amazing, and they can grasp complicated scenarios.''

Solon said it's doubtful that medical marijuana would get kids involved with
drugs.

``I've been contacted by many people who feel that marijuana relieves pain.
It might even be helpful for glaucoma,'' Solon said. ``I think if a medical
doctor wanted to prescribe marijuana, I wouldn't say, `You can't do it.' ''

On the chemical-abuse prevention front, Lourey on Wednesday told a Senate
committee that if the state gives another $300,000 to Kids Plus, the
Northland Foundation won't have to come back again.

Over the past two years, the foundation used its $300,000 state grant to
leverage many dozens more in private money to operate an array of youth
programs in Northeastern Minnesota. After another two years, the foundation
projects that its own endowed funds will rise to the point that continued
state aid won't be needed, Lourey said.

The programs have served 15,000 youths in Duluth and the Range and from Ely
to Wrenshall.

For more information: To follow action in the 1999 Minnesota Legislature, go
to www.leg.state.mn.us on the Internet. To contact your local legislator or
receive a free legislative newsletter, call the House Public Information
Office at (800) 657-3550 or Senate Information Office, (888) 234-1112.