Minnesota is closer to becoming the 23rd state in the US to legalize recreational marijuana. The House voted 71-59 on Tuesday to pass the 300-page measure that would allow the sale and use of marijuana for people 21 years and older.
The vote was preceded by a two-day debate beginning Monday night.
“Minnesotans deserve the freedom and the respect to make their own decisions about cannabis use. Our current laws have failed,” said the bill’s author, Rep. Zack Stephenson. He pointed out that the a major reason for the measure is to eliminate the illegal market for cannabis.
Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2014, and in 2022 recreational low-dose, hemp-derived cannabis edibles for adults was also legalized.
The measure would establish the Office of Cannabis Management. Those looking venture into the legal weed business would be required to apply for state licenses to grow, manufacture or sell marijuana at dispensaries.
It would also allow individuals to carry up to two ounces of adult-use cannabis flower in public, keep up to 1.5 pounds of flower in their homes, and grow up to eight plants (provided no more than four are mature flowering plants).
The bill is now on its way to the Senate, which is scheduled to debate the proposal on Friday. If it passes the Senate, Governor Tim Walz is expected to sign the bill into law when it reaches his office.
Information for this story was found via Twitter, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
