Minnesota Legalizes Cannabis for Adults
On May 30, 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize cannabis when Gov. Tim Walz signed HF 100 into law. Legal possession and cultivation began on August 1, 2023.
What’s Legal?
Adults 21+ can:
- Possess up to two ounces in public and two pounds at home.
- Cultivate up to eight plants (four flowering) in a locked, private space.
- Share cannabis with other adults without payment.
- Use cannabis privately, unless the property owner prohibits it.
Smoking in multifamily housing and open packages in vehicles remain illegal.
Expungement and Licensing
The law includes automatic expungement for low-level offenses and a Cannabis Expungement Board to review felony cases. Legal sales are expected in early 2025, with multiple business license types, including retailers, cultivators, transporters, and microbusinesses. At least 20% of licenses will go to social equity applicants.
Taxes and Medical Cannabis
Cannabis is taxed at 10% retail tax plus state and local sales taxes, but medical cannabis remains tax-exempt. Existing medical dispensaries can sell limited amounts to adults.
Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program
Medical cannabis has been legal since 2014, but the program was initially restrictive. Over time, qualifying conditions expanded to include PTSD, chronic pain, and IBS, among others. In 2021, raw flower was legalized, but only two manufacturers serve the entire state.
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