Recreational Pot Is Now Legal in Minnesota: What You Need To Know
It's much more than just the start of a new month in Minnesota, it's the beginning of a new era.
August 1 ushers in legal possession, cultivation, and recreational use of cannabis in the North Star State.
This day was made possible by House File 100, which was introduced in the Minnesota Legislature back in January. Four months later, after being approved by the House and Senate, it was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, May 23.
So what exactly does Chapter 63 allow?
According to the state's Office of Cannabis Management, adults 21 and older can possess up to two ounces in a public place or two pounds in a private residence. An individual can grow up to eight plants with four of those plants mature and producing flowers.
The sale of marijuana seeds is now legal, provided that the seeds are packaged by a seed labeler with a permit, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
Cannabis use is allowed in private homes and private property, but smoking or vaporizing cannabis in multifamily dwellings, vehicles, indoor public places, and anywhere minors might inhale second-hand smoke is still illegal.
The new law does allow for use in some parks and other outdoor areas, but each local city and county will be able to establish their own regulations.
As for buying cannabis in a dispensary, you're going to have to wait.
Dispensaries across Minnesota won't open until 2025. The only places that will be selling marijuana are some Native American reservations, like Red Lake Nation, throughout the state.
But just because possession is now legal in Minnesota, that doesn't mean you can bring it in from another state. That is still against the law.