Minnesota's cannabis laws have undergone significant transformations, transitioning from stringent prohibition to allowing medical marijuana usage. Understanding these regulations may seem complex, but don't worry—let's explore these changes together.
Come with us as we delve into Minnesota's cannabis laws, exploring aspects like possession limitations, cultivation regulations, penalties, and the processes for acquiring and distributing medical marijuana in the state. Let's uncover the intricacies of Minnesota's evolving cannabis landscape!
Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Minnesota.
Adults can possess up to 2 pounds of cannabis in their homes and up to 2 ounces in transport.
There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces.
Is Cannabis Legal in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, cannabis is newly legal for medical and recreational use. Originally, cannabis was decriminalized up to the possession 42.5 grams or less, resulting only in a $200 fine. On May 30, Gov. Tim Walz signed an expansive cannabis legalization bill (HF 100) that officially legalized recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and up. The state has not begun distributing licenses yet, and dispensaries may not open until at least 2025.
Governor Mark Dayton approved the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act in May 2014, establishing the Medical Cannabis Program. Registration started in June 2015, allowing qualified patients to access medical cannabis upon certification from a healthcare professional. Patients complete a self-evaluation and consult licensed pharmacists at Cannabis Patient Centers for dosage recommendations and various forms of marijuana.
Let’s take a look at home the new rec and medical regulations break down for consumers:
Regulations for Recreational Use
Per Minnesota law, individuals aged 21 or older are permitted to:
Use, own, or carry cannabis-related equipment.
Possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower publicly.
Hold up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower within their private residence.
Possess or transport up to 8 grams of adult-use concentrate.
Carry edible cannabis products or low-potency hemp edibles infused with a total THC content of 800 milligrams or less.
Gift cannabis flower and products, within legal possession limits, to individuals aged 21 or older in public.
Legal recreational users can grow up to eight cannabis plants, with no more than four being mature, at their private residence. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space that is not open for public view or accessible to anyone under the age of 21.
Regulations for Medical Use
In addition to the recreational use regulations, medical users can:
Possess up to a 30 day supply of cannabis with daily supply limits determined by their doctor. A patient can purchase up to 2.5 ounces over a 14 day period.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Minnesota
Here's a list of qualifying conditions for a Minnesota medical marijuana card:
Age-related macular degeneration
Alzheimer’s disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Autism
Cancer/cachexia
Chronic pain
Chronic vocal or motor tic disorder
Crohn’s disease
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Intractable pain
Irritable bowel syndrome
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Seizures
Severe and persistent muscle spasms
Sickle cell disease
Sleep apnea
Terminal illness
Tourette’s Syndrome
Restrictions for Cannabis Use in Minnesota
In Minnesota, despite the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis, usage is regulated with specific limitations:
Cannot use cannabis while driving, operating heavy machinery, or where smoking and vaping are banned under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.
Prohibited locations for cannabis use or possession include public schools, school buses, state correctional facilities, areas where minors could inhale cannabis, federal property (e.g., courthouses, airports, national parks), and federally subsidized housing.
Cannabis use is prohibited on an employer's premises or while using their machinery or vehicles.
Smoking or vaping adult-use cannabis is prohibited in multifamily housing, including patios and balconies, will be prohibited from March 1, 2025.
Daycare owners must disclose to parents if they allow cannabis use outside regular business hours.
Local ordinances in communities might impose restrictions on smoking or vaping cannabis in public places.
Minnesota Cannabis Laws
Here’s a quick look a the cannabis laws passed in Minnesota:
Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 and Minnesota Laws of 1939: The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 imposed strict regulations on marijuana sales, leading states, including Minnesota, to make marijuana possession illegal.
Minnesota's Decriminalization in 1976: Laws were enacted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession in the state.
Establishment of Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program in 2014: The state legalized medical cannabis, establishing a patient registry, and allowing specific cannabis usage methods for treatment.
Expansion of Medical Cannabis Usage in 2021: Legislation expanded the medical cannabis program to include smoking "dried raw cannabis" and added dry herb vaporization as a delivery method.
Introduction of Infused Edibles in 2022: The Department of Health approved "infused edibles in the form of gummies and chews" as a new delivery option for medical cannabis.
Recreational Cannabis Legalization in 2023: Minnesota legalized cannabis for recreational use and made changes to the administration of the medical cannabis program, transferring oversight from the Minnesota Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management's Division of Medical Cannabis.The Legislature held more than two dozen hearings on HF100 and SF73 in 2023.
How Cannabis is Bought and Sold in Minnesota
Minnesota approved medical cannabis in 2014, establishing a program allowing qualified patients to access cannabis for medical treatment. In 2023, Minnesota took a significant step by legalizing recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and above. These laws permit the legal sale of marijuana to qualifying patients and adult residents. Cannabis can be bought at state-licensed dispensaries, with the purchase limit set at up to 2.4 ounces over the course of 2-weeks.
Who can buy cannabis in Minnesota and how?
Qualifying patients registered in the medical cannabis program and recreational adults aged 21 and older. Cannabis can be purcahsed in dispensaries. Consumers are required to show their legal ID and/or medical card before purchase.
Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Minnesota
Here's a concise version outlining the penalties and regulations regarding cannabis in Minnesota:
Possession for Personal Use:
Possession of cannabis in public up to 2 ounces or 2 pounds in private is legal.
Penalties for possession vary based on quantity:
More than 2 oz but not more than 4 oz of cannabis concentrate is a petty misdemeanor with up to a $300 fine.
Penalties increase with possession of larger amounts, leading to potential imprisonment and fines.
Sale:
Legal sale among adults over 21 or giving small amounts for no remuneration is allowed.
Sale penalties vary based on the amount sold, escalating from petty misdemeanors to felonies.
Sale to minors or within specific zones results in severe felony charges with substantial fines and imprisonment.
Cultivation:
Cultivation of up to 8 cannabis plants with 4 being mature is allowed at an adult's primary residence.
Penalties increase for growing more plants than allowed, leading to fines and possible imprisonment.
Hash & Concentrates:
Possession and sale penalties vary based on the quantity of concentrates and cannabis-infused products.
Penalties increase with larger quantities, leading to potential imprisonment and substantial fines.
Paraphernalia
Possession of paraphernalia is lawful.
Miscellaneous:
Selling to a minor is a gross misdemeanor with fines and potential imprisonment.
Convictions may lead to driver's license revocation for 30 days if linked to driving offenses.
Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives
Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
