Minnesota Legalizes Adult-Use Cannabis, Opens First Dispensary
Minnesota legalizes adult-use cannabis, opening its first dispensary while tribal nations lead early sales efforts
Key Points
- 1Minnesota legalizes adult-use cannabis as the 23rd U.S. state
- 2Office of Cannabis Management oversees regulations and licensing
- 3Retail sales expected next year; tribal nations begin sales
- 4Governor Walz highlights economic and community benefits
- 5NORML notes success of cannabis legalization policies
Minnesota has officially joined the ranks of states legalizing adult-use cannabis, following the signing of a new law by Governor Tim Walz on May 30, 2023. The law took effect on August 1, 2023, making Minnesota the 23rd state in the United States to legalize cannabis for adult use. This legislation allows adults over 21 to purchase and possess specific amounts of cannabis and related products
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has been tasked with regulating both medical and adult-use cannabis markets. The OCM is responsible for issuing licenses and developing regulations for cannabis sales, including less potent hemp-based edibles. Under the new law, adults can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public and nearly a kilogram at home, along with limited amounts of concentrates and edibles
Governor Walz emphasized the economic and social benefits of the new legislation, stating that legalizing cannabis will help grow the state's economy and create jobs. He also highlighted the importance of regulating the industry to ensure safety for Minnesota residents. The law also includes provisions for expunging or reclassifying past cannabis-related convictions, aiming to strengthen communities
While retail cannabis sales are not expected to begin until next year, tribal nations in Minnesota have the autonomy to establish their own sales rules. The Red Lake Nation has already taken advantage of this, opening the state's first operational dispensary, NativeCare, on August 1. The White Earth Nation is also planning to open a dispensary soon, indicating a growing tribal involvement in the cannabis market
Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, noted that nearly half of Americans now live in areas where adult-use cannabis is legal, and no state has moved to reverse these laws. He pointed out that these policies are largely successful and preferable to criminal prohibition. As Minnesota embarks on this new chapter, the state's approach to cannabis regulation could serve as a model for others