Photo: The Canadian Press

Former Minn. Governor Jesse Ventura talks to reporters after a meeting with Governor-elect Tim Walz inside the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. "I'm 67 with a six pack," Ventura said. (

Jesse Ventura returned to his old workplace to advise Minnesota's next governor on transition issues — and took the opportunity to talk up legalizing marijuana.

Ventura said he was invited by Democratic Gov.-elect Tim Walz to a meeting Tuesday at the Capitol. Ventura went through a similar transition after his election upset two decades ago and says he knows how hard it is.

The former wrestler-turned-politician, known as 'The Body', found a receptive audience in Walz, who has expressed support in the past for legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Ventura says Minnesota is "missing the boat" on the economic benefits.

Minnesota currently has a medical marijuana program.