Pubdate: Sat, 17 May 2014 Source: West Central Tribune (Willmar, MN) Copyright: 2014 Forum Communications Company Contact: http://www.wctrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/542 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) WILL MONTEVIDEO HOST MINNESOTA'S FIRST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION CENTER? MONTEVIDEO -- Now that it appears medical cannabis will be legalized in Minnesota, Montevideo is aiming to be among the first communities to host a manufacturing and distribution center. The Montevideo City Council will take up a resolution on Monday in support of the construction of a medical cannabis manufacturing and distribution facility within the city, according to information from City Manager Steve Jones. "The city of Montevideo has the land and infrastructure in place and (is) 'shovel-ready' to support the construction of a manufacturing and distribution facility," according to the resolution. The family of 8-year-old Montevideo resident Katelyn Pauling hopes medical marijuana will help reduce the trauma of her daily seizures, according to the city manager. The oil form of medical marijuana they want for their daughter has the THC removed, and cannot get her high, according to Jones. The city council resolution follows news that Gov. Mark Dayton said would sign a deal announced by state lawmakers that would legalize medical cannabis in Minnesota. The new law does not allow smoking of marijuana, only vaporizing the cannabis extract and ingesting pills and oils. The law also gives law enforcement more tools to go after those who violate the law, along with stricter penalties. The drug will be available to residents diagnosed with one of ten different ailments, including: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette syndrome, ALS, seizures, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and other terminal illnesses. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom