Medical Marijuana Supporters 'Optimistic' After Meeting With Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)- Medical marijuana supporters say they're more optimistic after personally appealing to Gov. Mark Dayton on their legalization cause.

In return, the Democrat assured them he would keep working toward a compromise on a measure he doesn't yet support.

The visit with 11 medical-marijuana patients and activists occurred hours after Dayton told reporters during a conference call that he was pessimistic that a deal would be made during this legislative session.

Dayton opened up about a personal tug of war between giving comfort to those in pain and his constitutional oath to watch out for broader public safety concerns.

A bill legalizing medical marijuana stalled this week in the Legislature, and Dayton has said he won't sign legislation police oppose.