MN Legalization

Minnesota’s journey towards cannabis legalization began in 2023, when lawmakers passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. The bill, signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, made Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis. The new law took effect on August 1st, 2023, allowing residents to possess and use cannabis for personal consumption.

Since then, the state has been working diligently to establish a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis. In the first year of legalization, Minnesota has seen significant growth in the cannabis industry. According to recent data, the state has collected over $4 million in cannabis tax revenue between July and November 2023, translating into an estimated $40 million in total sales.

As the market matures, experts predict that the cannabis industry in Minnesota could generate up to $1.5 billion per year by the end of the decade. This would make the state a major player in the national cannabis market, and it could lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and increased tax revenue for the state.

The timeline for the full implementation of the recreational cannabis market in Minnesota is still being determined, but it is expected that the first retail shops will be licensed and operational by early 2025. In the meantime, residents can grow a limited number of cannabis plants at home and share small amounts with others.