After the recent November elections, democrats in the Minnesota House and Senate have regained control. With that comes a push for legislation that would legalize marijuana as early as May, Governor Walz says. The Speaker of the Minnesota House extended that timeline slightly, predicting the new legislation to take effect in as soon as two years.
What does this mean for Minnesotans?
If the new legislation were to pass both the House and Senate, and were to be signed into law, Minnesotans would not have to worry about criminal charges for certain instances of the purchase, sale, or use of recreational marijuana.
More specifically, these are some of the things that the bill would legalize:
If you are 21 or older, you would legally be able to –
- Use, possess, or transport paraphernalia,
- Possess 2 oz or less of cannabis flower in public,
- Possess 5 lbs. or less of cannabis flower in a residence,
- Possess or transport 8 grams or less of adult-use cannabis concentrate,
- Possess or transport edibles infused with 800 mg or less of THC,
- Use cannabis flower and cannabinoid products in private areas, and
- Grow up to 8 cannabis plants, 4 or fewer of them being mature, flowering plants.
The rules for the sale of marijuana and cannabis products would be more complex, due to licensing requirements.
However, there are some things that are still prohibited. Operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana, providing marijuana or other cannabis products to those under 21, and giving cannabis as a promotional gift would still carry civil penalties.
On top of these changes, low-level marijuana convictions could be expunged. That means that anyone with misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor marijuana possession charges (Minnesota statutes section 152.027, subsections 3 and 4) could get their records sealed on those convictions.
The legislation is still in the works and is making progress on the House floor. You can view the full text of the proposed bill here.
Until the day of legalization comes, most possessions, use, and sales are still illegal and are punishable by fines, jail time, or even prison time. As always, marijuana-related crimes have many nuances. If you have been charged with a Marijuana-related crime or believe charges are forthcoming, reach out to our attorneys here at Brandt Kettwick Defense.