Saint Paul, Minn. – With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Tim Walz (D) made Minnesota the twenty-third U.S. state to embrace adult-use legalization. The law will take effect on August 1, but sales are not expected to begin until sometime next year.
The law permits adults to purchase up to two ounces of flower, eight grams of concentrate, and 800 milligrams worth of edibles from state-licensed retailers. Minnesotans also may home-cultivate up to eight plants, no more than four of which can be mature, and possess up to two pounds of plant material.
The bill also facilitates automatic review and expungement of previous nonviolent marijuana convictions. Officials will begin reviewing and expunging tens of thousands of convictions on August 1.
State regulators with the newly created Office of Cannabis Management will oversee licensing for commercial cannabis growers, retailers, and delivery services. On-site consumption will be allowed at certain permitted events. Municipal officials will be able to impose regulations regarding the total number of cannabis businesses and their locations, but they may not prohibit their operation. Retail cannabis sales will be taxed at ten percent.
Unlike legalization policies enacted recently in states including Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, the law does not provide language protecting those who consume cannabis at home from facing sanctions in the workplace if they test positive for metabolites during drug screening.
Minnesota is the third state to enact adult-use legalization this year. Delaware lawmakers passed a pair of bills in April immediately legalizing possession and use and establishing a system for licensed sales. Connecticut regulators must begin accepting retail license applications by August 1, 2024.
Maryland lawmakers recently implemented a voter-approved referendum legalizing sales and use and expunging cannabis-related criminal records. Effective July 1, adults may possess up to 1.5 ounces of plant material and twelve grams of concentrates. Existing medical dispensaries will be able to apply for dual licensure to sell to the adult-use market beginning this summer. State regulators must start approving additional marijuana business licenses by July 1, 2024.
