Last month, the Minneapolis Violent Crimes Coordinating Council did something odd. Members decided to make their “strong opposition” to medical marijuana known by sending a letter to the bill’s chief legislative proponents, including State Rep. Carly Melin. It asserted that the chronic pain of individuals did not outweigh the interests of public safety.
In response, Melin solicited the nonpartisan House Research Department for background information on the VCCC. She asked specifically about whether the council had the authority to issue opinions on pending legislation. Minneapolis City Pages has the rest.