Key Takeaways on Minnesota’s Cannabis Laws

Weed is legal for recreational use in Minnesota, allowing possession of up to 2 ounces outside your home and up to 2 pounds within.
The state has a medical marijuana program that permits a 90-day supply for qualifying patients, with cannabis flower available since March 2022.
Recreational users can grow up to 8 plants, with a maximum of 4 being mature and flowering.

Is Weed Legal in Minnesota?

As of August 2023, weed is legal for recreational use in Minnesota. Along with recreational availability, qualifying patients can legally access cannabis through the state’s medical marijuana laws.

Is Recreational Weed Legal in Minnesota?

Indeed, recreational weed is legal for adults aged 21 and over in Minnesota. Legislation passed prior to August 2023 allows the possession of up to 2 ounces (56.7 grams) of cannabis outside the home and up to 2 pounds (907 grams) within private residences.

Under the new laws, adults can also possess up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates and cannabis edibles with a total of 800 mg of THC. Moreover, adults can give cannabis away to others (up to the legal possession limits) and can cultivate up to 8 cannabis plants, with no more than 4 being fully mature and flowering at any given time.

Penalties for Excess Possession

Violating possession laws in Minnesota can lead to varying penalties depending on the amount in question:

Possession of over 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces (outside home) results in a petty misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $300.
For over 4 ounces but less than a pound, penalties can include up to 90 days of imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000.
Possession of more than a pound but less than 2 pounds can lead to up to 364 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
Larger amounts, up to 10 kg, incur penalties of up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
For up to 25 kg, penalties increase to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Possessing between 25 kg and 50 kg can lead to up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Finally, for amounts exceeding 50 kg, individuals can face 30 years in prison and fines reaching $1,000,000.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, medical marijuana has been legal in Minnesota since the passage of the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act in 2014. Initially, the law restricted access to non-smokable forms of cannabis, such as oils and capsules. However, as of March 2022, medical patients may purchase cannabis flower.

Patient Possession Limits

Patients registered in the medical marijuana program can possess up to a 90-day supply of cannabis as determined by a physician. While specific ounce limits are not defined, there are regulations on purchase quantities at dispensaries. Patients may not buy more than 450 grams in a single visit and cannot purchase over their 30-day supply in a 23-day period.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?

The process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Minnesota involves a few steps:

First, you must obtain certification from a licensed Minnesota physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) for one of the qualifying conditions.
Qualifying conditions include diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, autism, cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and more.
Once certified, your provider will register your email with the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC), and you will receive a unique link to register for the program online.
Registration is free, but applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID and additional proof of residence, if required.
After submission, approval may take up to 30 days, and you must complete a Patient Self Evaluation online each time before purchasing.

Can You Consume in Public in Minnesota?

Consumption of cannabis via vaporizing or smoking is prohibited in public places under both recreational and medical laws. However, individuals can consume cannabis on private property if the property owner permits it. The law specifies certain locations where consumption is strictly forbidden, including:

On school buses or vans
On the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school
In correctional facilities
On the grounds of any childcare facilities or home daycares

Local governments may impose additional restrictions, with violations potentially resulting in fines of up to $300. If consumption occurs in a no-smoking area, individuals could also risk penalties under the state’s clean indoor air regulations.

Can You Drive Under the Influence of Weed in Minnesota?

Driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal in Minnesota, similar to alcohol laws. Blood tests can be conducted to determine if a driver is impaired due to THC, with legal penalties including fines, license suspension, or even jail time for DUI offenses.

What are the possession limits for cannabis in Minnesota?

Adults can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis outside their residence and up to 2 pounds inside. Medical patients can possess up to a 90-day supply, as determined by their physician.

How many cannabis plants can I grow in Minnesota?

Recreational users can cultivate up to 8 cannabis plants, with no more than 4 of them being mature and flowering at any time.

Is medical marijuana available in Minnesota?

Yes, medical marijuana has been legal in Minnesota since 2014, and patients can access different forms of cannabis, including flower, as part of the state program.

Can I consume cannabis in public in Minnesota?

No, public consumption of cannabis is illegal. It can only be consumed in private spaces with permission from the property owner.

Understanding Marijuana Laws in Minnesota

As marijuana laws continue to evolve across the United States, Minnesota has made significant strides in its legislation surrounding both medical and recreational cannabis. This guide explores the current legal landscape concerning marijuana use, driving under the influence, and the emergence of dispensaries in Minnesota.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

In Minnesota, legal access to medical marijuana does not permit driving under its influence. Similar to other substances, operating a vehicle while impaired by marijuana is illegal and punishable by law.

Unlike some controlled substances that are treated under a “zero tolerance” law, individuals must exhibit signs of impairment to violate the marijuana DUI law. Police can conduct tests to assess impairment, and Minnesota’s implied consent law mandates that by driving, individuals consent to blood, breath, or urine testing. Refusing these tests results in immediate suspension of a driver’s license.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence

First Offense: Up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and license suspension for a minimum of 180 days.
Second Offense: Minimum of 30 days incarceration (with a minimum of 48 hours served), possible community service, and license suspension for a year.
Third Offense: Minimum of 90 days incarceration, 30 days in a correctional facility, or placement in an intensive supervision program. License suspension for up to 2 years.
Fourth Offense: Minimum of 180 days incarceration (or repeat offender program). License suspension may be indefinite.
Fifth or Subsequent Offenses: Minimum incarceration of one year with 60 days in a correctional facility, or placement in a repeat offender program.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Minnesota?

Delta-8 THC has been made legal in Minnesota following the federal passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and corresponding state legislation. However, new limits on THC levels in edible products have been imposed. As of July 2022, any single serving of intoxicating hemp products, including Delta-8, cannot exceed 5 mg of THC, and packages cannot contain more than 50 mg.

While Delta-8 remains legal, many products may not meet these requirements, creating a unique situation for consumers. Starting March 1, 2025, Delta-8 THC will be classified as an “edible cannabinoid product” and will be available under the adult-use program.

Weed Decriminalization in Minnesota

Initially, possession of small amounts of marijuana was decriminalized in Minnesota; however, current regulations allow adults to possess and carry up to two ounces outside of their home and up to two pounds inside. Possession exceeding two ounces but less than four ounces is treated as a petty misdemeanor, attracting only fines.

Growing Marijuana at Home

Growing marijuana is permitted in Minnesota for adults over the age of 21. Each adult can cultivate up to eight plants, with a maximum of four allowed to be mature and flowering. This cultivation must take place in an enclosed, locked area that is not visible to the general public.

Dispensaries in Minnesota: The Future Outlook

The establishment of state-licensed dispensaries is scheduled for January 2025. However, tribal governments in Minnesota do not need to await state licensing and can open dispensaries sooner. Remarkably, the first legal dispensary launched in August 2023 on a Native American reservation. Additional dispensaries have since opened, and more are expected to follow suit, providing closer access to legal marijuana for Twin Cities residents.

Conclusion

In summary, the evolution of weed laws in Minnesota reflects a significant shift toward legalization and acceptance. With the ability to cultivate plants and the emergence of tribal dispensaries, residents are navigating a new landscape. As we move towards 2025, the outlook remains optimistic for broader access to cannabis products across the state.