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Until this year, weed was legal in MN only for medical consumption. In August 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd US state to legalize recreational use.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has the perfect climate for cultivation, and its products will soon include weed. The government is still drafting laws, but the legislation’s taking a promising shape. One thing’s for sure: adult citizens in Minnesota can blaze without getting in trouble.
How did the green wave progress, and what did the landmark decision bring? Join us to learn about the legality of marijuana in Minnesota.
History of cannabis legalization in Minnesota
Minnesota legalized weed in 2023, but that wasn’t its first attempt. Let’s run through the history of the herb in this state to appreciate today’s victory.
Cannabis prohibition in the USA began in 1937, but medical use remained allowed. In 1970, the country completely outlawed consumption.
The first attempt at legalization was in 1976 in Minnesota and four other states. This attempt was short-lived, ending with Reagan’s presidency in the 1980s. The War on Drugs took an even stronger hold of the country.
The subsequent 30 years were quiet on the weed front.
In the 2010s, initiatives for therapeutic use grew louder. Minnesota legalized medical marijuana in 2014, but the original bill was restrictive. It expanded in 2016, 2017, and 2019, with more qualifying conditions added to the list.
Efforts to make recreational marijuana legal in Minnesota continued in 2018, but Republican senators shot them down. In 2022, Democrats took control of the Senate and prioritized the legalization question.
A legalization bill was introduced in January 2023. After examination, it was reintroduced to the Minnesota House. Governor Tim Walz signed it on May 30th, and recreational marijuana became legal on August 1st.
What are the marijuana laws in Minnesota?
Weed is legal in MN for adults and medical users. Residents can possess up to two ounces in public and two pounds at home. They may grow up to eight plants, four of which can flower simultaneously.
Everybody 21 and older can toke in most places, but there are rules. Smoke-free areas are off-limits for weed users. No blazing on public school grounds, near a minor, or while operating cars or boats, either.
You may give weed to other adults for free, but selling it without a license is banned. It could result in criminal and financial penalties. No such rules apply to ungerminated recreational or medical cannabis seeds.
What’s the situation like behind the scenes?
The government formed the regulatory Office of Cannabis Management. It introduced a 10% sales tax on products and created 12 commercial grower licenses. Other provisions include treatment for drug abuse victims and grants for cannabis businesspeople.
Besides removing penalties for carrying weed, Minnesota expunged previous possession-related criminal convictions.
When will dispensaries open in Minnesota?
The state must figure out a licensing system, which takes time. According to estimates, official sales should begin in early 2025. Minnesota has 11 sovereign Native American governments, though. They follow separate rules and produce weed on reservations.
Notably, the White Earth Nation sells locally grown marijuana. It may now become a supplier for other tribal nations. It’s also negotiating with the state to set up shop off-reservation.
Restrictions and limits
With legalization comes regulation to ensure weed’s not only available but also safe. Let’s discuss the limitations Minnesota imposes on its toker citizens.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Minnesota?
Weed is legal in MN in 2023, and you can freely carry 56 grams (2 ounces). You can have eight grams of concentrate or edibles with 800 milligrams of THC.
That’s only the amount you can have on your person in public. All adults are allowed to have under a kilogram (two pounds) of cannabis at home.
Regarding car transportation, the open-container law applies to weed. Your buds or products should be in closed bags, as far away from you as possible. Keep them in a bag on your back seat or in the trunk.
Can I grow cannabis in Minnesota?
You can legally grow cannabis in Minnesota. The state lets every household have eight cannabis plants, which is enough to fill up your stash. Note that only four may be in flowering, and time your sowing schedule accordingly.
Minnesotans can grow indoors or outdoors in enclosed, locked spaces. Your garden must not be open to public view. The law doesn’t ban cultivation in condos or apartment buildings.
Ambitious growers may apply a trick to ensure a continual supply while abiding by the law. Separate your THC or CBD weed seeds into four-seed batches. Germinate the second when the first approaches flowering.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Minnesota?
Recreational weed is legal in MN, including high THC and high CBD buds. The state imposes no limits on your strain, product type, and potency level.
You can have two ounces of buds on your person and two pounds at home. It’s also legal to buy weed seeds with THC and grow up to eight plants for personal use.
Until dispensaries open, the state’s medical weed system will continue as usual. The only difference is that the $200 enrollment fee was eliminated in June. Once legal weed in MN becomes available to every citizen, the medical program may also see a revamp.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Minnesota?
Under the Minnesota weed law, state-regulated businesses can only sell regularly tested seeds. That rule ensures quality and protects the consumers. It’s been lagging since the government’s still developing its regulatory framework.
Minnesota-grown genetics are currently unavailable. Until that changes, you can buy labeled cannabis seeds out-of-state or online.
Purchasing in other states is possible because seeds don’t count as cannabis. According to federal law, they only become illegal once germinated. For that reason, sealed packages can freely cross state lines.
What if you don’t want to travel for miles to buy seeds? Online shopping is your best bet. Seeds at Seed Supreme are diverse, affordable, and quality-tested. It only takes several clicks to receive a package on your doorstep.
Key takeaways
August 2023 was a massive victory for Minnesota. It’s surpassed its neighbors and everybody’s expectations.
Now that weed is legal in MN, it’s on the state to make it fair and accessible. The current law proposals seem beneficial to the 420 community. We hope their influence spreads beyond the state’s borders.
Since dispensaries won’t open for quite some time, why not produce your own stash? Visit our shop to buy high-quality cannabis seeds in Minnesota. Pick your preferred potency, flavor, and effect profile, and put your new liberties to good use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have specific inquiries regarding Minnesota marijuana? Here are the answers to the most common community questions about this topic.
Do I need a medical card to buy at a dispensary in Minnesota?
According to the new Minnesota weed law, you don’t need a medical card to shop at dispensaries. Anybody over 21 can enter and buy buds, edibles, and other products.
This standard currently exists in dispensaries run by tribal governments on Minnesota land. The state government should license and open shops in 2025, likely with the same rules.
How much does medical marijuana cost in MN?
On average, Minnesota’s marijuana for medical use costs $316 a month. No insurance company covers these expenses. The typical price in medical cannabis dispensaries is $60–$100 per quarter ounce.
The situation might change with recreational legalization. As more dispensaries appear across the state, prices may drop.
How does Minnesota’s cannabis legislation compare to neighboring states?
Minnesota has more progressive cannabis legislation than its neighboring states. Recreational use is illegal in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The latest Minnesota weed law is on par with its northern neighbor, Canada.
