The debate over legalizing medical marijuana has been going on throughout the country for years, but the issue is once again being brought up in Minnesota. The medical marijuana bill S.F. 1973 passed through the Senate Health and Family Security Committee by a 5-2 vote April 5. The bill, which would protect medical marijuana patients and their caregivers from the threat of arrest and imprisonment, was co-authored by Sen. Steve Kelley, DFL-44, representing Golden Valley, Hopkins and St. Louis Park. [continues 447 words]