Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill on Tuesday, May 30, legalizing adult-use cannabis in Minnesota starting in August. The law aims to create more jobs, expand the economy, and strengthen communities through the regulation of the industry and expungement or resentencing of cannabis convictions.
Lt. Gov. Flanagan said the prohibition of cannabis hasn’t worked and has disproportionately harmed communities of color across the state. That is why the bill also includes grants for substance use treatment, recovery, prevention, and communities that have suffered the effects of cannabis prohibition.
The new law will establish a new Office of Cannabis Management to regulate the industry, and the implementation of a 10% tax on recreational cannabis. Cannabis use and possession of specific amounts will be decriminalized beginning August 1, along with the establishment of the Cannabis Expungement Board and provisions for the automatic expungement of lower-level cannabis offenses. The bill allows sales for legal adult-use cannabis in Minnesota to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
With the signing of the bill, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis.
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