Independent Grassroots Party
American political party advocating marijuana legalization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Independent Grassroots Party was a moderate, democratic socialist political third party in the U.S. state of Minnesota created in 1996 to oppose drug prohibition.[1] The party shared many of the progressive values of the Farmer-Labor Party but with an emphasis on cannabis/hemp legalization issues.[2]
Independent Grassroots Party | |
|---|---|
| |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Dissolved | 1998 |
| Preceded by | Grassroots Party |
| Succeeded by | Legal Marijuana Now Party |
| Ideology | Marijuana legalization |
| Colors | Green |
Some political scholars have speculated that Minnesota's marijuana political parties are responsible for the state DFL Party embracing cannabis legalization two decades later.[3]
History
The Youth International Party, formed in 1967 to advance the counterculture of the 1960s, often ran candidates for public office. The Yippie flag is a five-pointed star superimposed with a cannabis leaf.[4] Following the Yippie Party's lead, the Grassroots Party was established in Minnesota, in 1986, as an independent political party that focused on marijuana legalization.[5][6]
In 1996, the Minnesota Grassroots Party split, forming the Independent Grassroots party. John Birrenbach was the Independent Grassroots presidential candidate and George McMahon was the vice-presidential candidate.[7] Dan Vacek was the Independent Grassroots candidate for United States Representative (Minnesota District 4).[1][8] In 1998, members of the Independent Grassroots Party established the Legal Marijuana Now political party.[2][9]
1996 U.S. presidential candidates
Independent Grassroots Party results in presidential elections
| Year | Candidate | VP candidate | Ballot access | Popular votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 |  John Birrenbach of Minnesota | George McMahon of Iowa | MN[7] | 787[7] |
1996 results in Minnesota elections
Results in federal elections
| Year | Office | Candidate | Popular votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | United States Representative, District 4 | Dan Vacek | 2,696[8] | 1.05% |