Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Minnesota Now?

Effective August 1, 2023, Minnesota has taken a significant step by fully decriminalizing cannabis. This landmark decision allows adults aged 21 and over to possess, use, and grow cannabis at home. Under the new law, individuals are permitted to possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public and up to 2 pounds in their residence.

The City of Minneapolis, adhering to these new regulations, has two primary legal mandates: issuing retail registrations to state-licensed cannabis businesses and conducting compliance checks, including annual age verification. The city’s staff is actively working on developing regulations, rules, and requirements for these mandates.

Minnesota has become the 23rd state in the United States to legalize cannabis use for adults. This move is seen as a progressive step toward rectifying the decades-long prohibition and criminalization of cannabis. The new legislation permits Minnesotans aged 21 and over to possess and use specified amounts of cannabis and cannabis products, although cannabis remains illegal on federal property.

Retail sales for adult-use cannabis in Minnesota are proposed to begin in the first quarter of 2025. This forward-thinking legislation includes protections for existing medical marijuana suppliers, allowing them to produce and sell recreational cannabis based on a percentage of their business.

However, there are legal limits and civil penalties for violating specific cannabis use guidelines. Adults are prohibited from using cannabis in state correctional facilities, operating a motor vehicle under its influence, giving cannabis to individuals under 21, or using cannabis as a promotional gift.

Minnesota’s journey toward cannabis legalization has been a lengthy process. Medical marijuana was legalized in the state in 2014, and efforts have continued to expand cannabis accessibility. HF100, a bill to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, has made significant progress, clearing its first House committee in January 2023.

For more detailed information about these new regulations and the legalization process, visit the State of Minnesota – Office of Cannabis Management, the City of Minneapolis, and the Minnesota House of Representatives.