Minnesota Becomes 23rd State to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
Minnesota will legalize recreational cannabis, becoming the 23rd state to do so, with the new law taking effect on August 1, 2023
Key Points
- 1Minnesota legalizes recreational cannabis, effective August 1, 2023
- 2Adults can possess up to two ounces publicly and cultivate up to eight plants
- 3Local governments can regulate but not ban cannabis retailers
- 4Automatic expungement of cannabis possession records is included
- 5Strong public support with 64% of Minnesota voters in favor
Minnesota is set to become the 23rd U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis, following Governor Tim Walz's commitment to sign the legislation into law. This move comes after the state legalized medical cannabis in 2014, marking a significant shift towards broader cannabis acceptance in the region. The legislation was finalized after reconciling differences between the Minnesota House and Senate versions of the bill
The new law, expected to take effect on August 1, 2023, allows adults aged 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis in public and store up to two pounds at home. Additionally, residents can cultivate up to eight plants, with four being mature flowering plants. The legislation also includes provisions for a cannabis management office to oversee licensing and regulation, alongside a 10% retail tax on cannabis products
Local governments in Minnesota will have the authority to regulate the number of cannabis retailers, but they cannot ban them entirely. Sales are anticipated to begin within 12 to 18 months, according to Representative Zack Stephenson, who co-authored the bill. Initially, cannabis consumption will be restricted to private residences, though licensed businesses and events may eventually permit it
The legislation also addresses criminal justice reform by eliminating certain cannabis-related offenses and automatically expunging records for possession. This process, managed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, could extend until August 2024. A special review board will also consider re-sentencing for individuals with prior cannabis convictions
Public sentiment in Minnesota indicates strong support for legalization, with a SurveyUSA poll showing 64% of voters in favor, including 81% of Democrats and 49% of Republicans. Lindsey Port, a key author of the bill, emphasized the need for regulation to protect youth and acknowledged the failures of the current system. The move aligns with national trends, as reported by Gallup, reflecting increasing acceptance of cannabis across the United States