Minnesota 23rd state to pass recreational marijuana bill into law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Valley News Live) - Minnesota has joined 23 other states in the U.S. in legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.

Governor Tim Walz signed the bill on May 30. It was already given the green light by the House and Senate earlier this legislative session.

The bill allows people 21+ to possess and transport up to two ounces of cannabis flower, eight grams of concentrate and 800 milligrams of edible products. Adults can also have up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower in their homes.

The new law would also expunge low-level marijuana offenses from the records of thousands of people in the state.

Most of these provisions would fully go into law starting Aug. 1, 2023. There will be a new office of cannabis management to regulate the state’s cannabis industry. The establishment of that office, a cannabis advisory board and an expungement board all kick in July 1.

Retail sales in Minnesota are expected to start sometime in the summer of 2024 with a 10 percent tax on top of existing state and local taxes. Local government will control the location of businesses.

Marijuana is still illegal in North Dakota and you can be charged for drug offenses if caught in the state, even if you legally bought the pot in Minnesota.