“Green Light: Minnesota House Gives Nod to Recreational Cannabis Legalization, Paving the Way for Senate Review”

In 2014, the state of Minnesota legalized medical marijuana and in 2022 Minnesota made yet another progressive step by permitting the use of low-dose, hemp-derived cannabis edibles for adults. Now, the state stands on the cusp of the next milestone: complete recreational cannabis legalization. Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) asserts that this step is long overdue, as the decades-long prohibition and criminalization of cannabis have proven ineffective in enhancing societal safety while disproportionately impacting minority communities.

The bill received resounding support in the House, passing with a 71-59 vote after resuming discussions on Tuesday, following a temporary halt on Monday. Its next destination is the Senate, where it is expected to be debated this Friday. Stephenson expresses confidence that the Senate will also favor legalization, especially considering Governor Tim Walz's stated intention to sign the bill into law. If successful, adults in Minnesota can enjoy a joint without fear of arrest, unlocking a summer of newfound freedom.

One notable provision of the bill permits the cultivation of homegrown cannabis plants, meaning that individuals could legally smoke a joint filled with leaves from their own plants. However, Stephenson emphasizes that the bill's primary focus lies in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework to tightly oversee the legal cannabis market. This includes licensing commercial growers, distributors, and retailers, funding prevention and addiction recovery programs, as well as providing grants to law enforcement and courts. Consequently, it will likely take at least a year from enactment before cannabis retail dispensaries emerge.

The bill allocates $73.4 million in the 2024-25 biennium. However, revenue generated from licensing fees and an 8% cannabis sales tax, in addition to existing sales taxes, will start flowing into the state's coffers from 2026 onward, rendering future appropriations unnecessary. In the long run, Stephenson assures that the bill will be self-supporting and beneficial to the state.

So, what does the bill entail?

Introduced in January, it has undergone thorough scrutiny and approval from 16 committees before reaching the House Floor. The current version permits individuals aged 21 or older to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public or 1.5 pounds in their residence. It also allows for the possession or transportation of up to 8 grams of adult-use cannabis concentrate and edible products infused with up to 800 milligrams of THC. Additionally, individuals can gift cannabis flower and cannabinoid products within legal limits and use them in private spaces. Furthermore, the bill grants the cultivation of up to eight cannabis plants, with a maximum of four mature, flowering plants.

This bill will enact significant changes across various parts of Minnesota law, including the creation of licenses for cultivation, sale, transportation, and testing of cannabis. It establishes an Office of Cannabis Management to regulate and enforce cannabis-related activities, imposes an 8% tax on retail cannabis sales (in addition to existing taxes), allocates funds for combating cannabis abuse, provides grants for those entering the legal cannabis market, eliminates criminal penalties for cannabis possession, and expunges low-level cannabis offenses from criminal records. The bill also sets legal limits on marijuana use and enforces civil penalties for exceeding those limits.

However, not all members of the Legislature support the bill. During a Republican press conference, concerns were raised regarding local government's inability to tailor regulations and licensing fees to offset the anticipated costs associated with legalization, particularly in law enforcement and public health. Representative Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) believes that cities should have the authority to regulate the number of licenses within their jurisdictions and revoke them if issues arise. She further expresses worries about the increased potency of cannabis, specifically the high levels of THC, which could pose severe risks to young individuals