One of the state's biggest proponents of legal marijuana is celebrating after helping lay the groundwork for legalization.
Former Governor Jesse Ventura tells WCCO's Chad Hartman that even when no one was listening, he's proud to have proposed legal pot 20 years ago.
Ventura says the benefits go well beyond recreational use.
"The entire plant is medical," claims Ventura. "Those that smoke it for the euphoric feeling are doing it for mental health, like post traumatic stress and things of that nature. It allows them to relax and get through life. I would rather have them doing cannabis than doing opiates."
The former Governor also talked about his personal experience with using marijuana, saying it helped his wife Terry overcome issues with chronic seizures. He explained that they tried four traditional medications prescribed by physicians and none of them worked.
They turned to THC drops, which Ventura admits they obtained illegally in Colorado.
"My wife took the first three drops under the tongue and has not had a seizure since. None," said Ventura.
Once medical marijuana became legal in Minnesota, Ventura said they switched to pills but it cost him $600 a month because none of the prescription drug plans cover the use of medical marijuana. Ventura says that should be changed.
Ventura adds that it's important for people to buy local and keep the money in Minnesota once the state's dispensaries are up and running.
MORE: See all of WCCO's series on Legalizing Recreational Marijuana here.
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