The Minnesota House agreed that adult-use cannabis should be legalized in the state on Tuesday, voting 71-59 in favour of a lengthy bill that will now be moving to the Senate on Friday.
If the bill is approved later this week, Minnesota would become the 23rd state to legalize recreational pot in the United States. The House’s final decision followed a long debate that began on Monday night.
The bill would allow adults over 21 to possess or transport up to eight grams of adult-use cannabis concentrate. They would also be permitted to give away cannabis flower and cannabinoid products in an amount that is legal for a person to possess in public. The public use of cannabis flower and cannabinoid products would be permitted in private areas.
It would allow adults over 21 to cultivate up to eight cannabis plants, of which four or fewer may be mature, flowering plants. Citizens would be able to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower in a public place or 1.5 pounds in a person’s residence.
Furthermore, citizens could possess or transport edible products infused with up to 800 milligrams of THC.
Legalizing adult-use cannabis *and* expunging marijuana convictions makes Minnesota a more just place to live – all while strengthening our economy. On to the Senate! https://t.co/DWPSR0mVmq
— Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) April 25, 2023
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The bill was first introduced on January 5 and aims to foster responsible regulation, provide better access to Veterans and to alleviate harms caused by prohibition like racial disparity.
“This is a bill that we can be proud of. I challenge anyone to come up with a bill that has gone through a more rigorous policy development,” said Zack Stephenson, Minnesota State Representative and sponsor of the bill.
Lawmakers in Minnesota have until May 22 to finalize a decision with regard to the cannabis legislation.
Currently, Minnesota has two registered manufacturers of medical cannabis — LeafLine Labs and Minnesota Medical Solutions (now known as Vireo Health or Green Goods).
rowan@mugglehead.com
