SAINT PAUL, Minn. (420CanNews) — For those Minnesotans asking, “Is Weed Legal in Minnesota?”. The short answer is yes. After long years of advocacy for cannabis, it has finally paid off. This was the result of marijuana legalization legislation passed earlier this year and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.
When Is Marijuana Legal in MN?
Marijuana officially became legal for recreational use in Minnesota on Monday, August 1, 2023. This is the date the cannabis legalization law passed earlier this year went into effect statewide. Minnesota now joins a growing list of states that have ended prohibition and legalized recreational weed.
This historic change of policy makes Minnesota the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults. While limited retail sales have already begun on tribal lands, most legal retail sales across the state likely won’t start until 2025 as regulations are finalized.
While search questions such as “Is marijuana legal in MN?”, “Is marijuana legal in MN 2023?”, or “Is Weed Legal in Minnesota?” may continue to populate the Internet, perhaps the better question is “Who can use marijuana in MN?”. According to the new law in Minnesota, individuals who are 21 years old or older are now allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public. Additionally, they can legally cultivate up to eight marijuana plants for personal use at their residence, with a maximum of four plants flowering at any given time. It is important to note that the home garden must be kept in an enclosed and locked space that is not visible to the public.
Does Minnesota Have Recreational Dispensaries?
Yes, Minnesota now has its first recreational marijuana dispensaries operating on tribal lands. The Red Lake Nation opened the first recreational cannabis shop in the state on the same day legalization took effect. The White Earth Nation followed shortly after, launching Minnesota’s second recreational marijuana dispensary just days later.
As sovereign tribal nations, Red Lake and White Earth are able to set their own cannabis regulations separate from state laws. This allowed them to quickly establish regulated retail shops to serve recreational customers. However, widespread recreational dispensaries across the rest of Minnesota will take longer to roll out.
Statewide recreational cannabis sales are not expected to begin until 2025. This is due to the time required to set up Minnesota’s regulatory system for the recreational marijuana industry. The state needs to establish rules, testing procedures, and licensing for all aspects of legal weed business – from growers to retailers. Until dispensaries open, Minnesotans can legally grow their own plants at home or receive gifted cannabis through social sharing.
So starting August, Minnesotans can now stop asking this question – “Is Weed Legal in Minnesota?”. With recreational marijuana now legalized, a new era of cannabis in Minnesota has begun.
While regulated retail sales will take some time, Minnesotans can now legally consume cannabis for recreational purposes and grow their own plants without facing criminal penalties. The legalization of recreational weed marks a major milestone for Minnesota after years of advocacy and legislation to end prohibition.
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— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
White Earth Nation launches Minnesota’s 2nd recreational weed dispensary
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/white-earth-nation-minnesotas-2nd-recreational-weed-dispensary/
Recreational cannabis is now legal in Minnesota. Here’s what we know
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/08/01/recreational-cannabis-is-now-legal-in-minnesota-heres-what-we-know
Recreational marijuana is now legal in Minnesota, but the state is still working out retail sales
https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-marijuana-legalization-recreational-midwest-1f01d19ad33f59dbc529d6811f831bb4
Recreational weed is now legal in Minnesota: What to know
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/recreational-weed-is-now-legal-in-minnesota-what-to-know/
