Two Minnesota Republican state lawmakers are claiming that home cultivation of cannabis as the result of the legalization law enacted by the Democratic legislature and governor last year could lead to a power failure as grow lights put an overwhelming strain on the state’s electrical grid. “Now, I hope most of you are not familiar with the marijuana grow operation,” Rep. Paul Novotny (R) said at an event last weekend, “but I will tell you that it takes a ton… Read more.
The mayor of Winnebago, Minnesota, and his son were arrested on Thursday after being linked to multiple commercial-grade greenhouses being used to grow illegal quantities of cannabis, the Fairmont Sentinel reports. According to court documents, multiple law enforcement agencies launched a cooperative investigation into the grow sites in January 2023 after the South Central Drug Investigative Unit received an anonymous tip in that greenhouses in Winnebago were being used to grow cannabis plants. Adult-use cannabis is legal in Minnesota and residents aged 21+ are allowed to grow… Read more.
A perceived loophole in Minnesota’s new adult use cannabis law is set to be addressed in a summit later this week, according to a report from news outlet MinnPost. The meeting, convened by the state Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Health, will bring together law enforcement and local government associations to discuss the unregulated sale of products portrayed as hemp that may contain high THC levels. The ambiguity arises from the law’s description of regulated products, which includes… Read more.
A man in Minnesota is providing free growing and cannabis basics workshops—free to the public—to help people get a foot in the door of the industry. Minnesota allows home cultivation under its recently approved adult-use cannabis law, and residents are eager to see if they have a green thumb. Minnesota adults are allowed to grow up to eight plants, four mature. Growing cannabis takes years of experience to master, but you gotta start somewhere. Inforum reports that Steve Rosenfeldt, who is the… Read more.
Minnesota’s newly passed adult-use marijuana law might have created a loophole that allows hemp cultivators to sell flower products that are more potent than the 0.3% THC limit. That means hemp growers could gain a foothold in the market more than a year before the state plans to launch adult-use marijuana sales in early 2025, according to Minneapolis-based nonprofit online news outlet MinnPost, citing the podcast Weed Wonks. Chris Tholkes, director of Minnesota’s Office of Medical Cannabis, told Weed Wonks that the department… Read more.
The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) announced its pilot project to launch a cannabis saliva test for determining impairment in drivers. According to OTS Director Mike Hanson, the test is being designed to determine recent impairment. “We’re not looking to find somebody who used 10 days or 14 days ago. We’re looking for somebody who used within the last couple of hours,” Hanson explained. The saliva test would screen for a total of six substances, such as cannabis and opioids,… Read more.
A Minnesota psychedelics task force charged with studying the medical benefits of psilocybin, MDMA and LSD and preparing the state for possible legalization will convene on Monday for its first meeting, at which members are expected to select a chairperson and lay out the trajectory of the coming months. The group must return a final report to the state with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2025, and at least one key lawmaker says he plans to file a reform… Read more.
Regulators in Minnesota are seeking public input as they begin the process of crafting rules for the state’s new marijuana industry, hoping to hear from “the widest possible range of community members, advocates, and partners who want to help shape how the rules are drafted.” To collect those views, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on Monday released a new online survey that includes questions on cannabis cultivation, processing and manufacturing. “The first topic areas reflect the necessary industry… Read more.
One company called HWY35, LLC, currently based in Missouri, recently received funds from the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation’s Advisory board (IRRR) voted 5-3 to approve a loan to be used to build a cannabis cultivation and manufacturing site in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The department’s goal is “…to invest in resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships and strengthen businesses and worker education.” It provides low or no… Read more.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that the odor of marijuana, on its own, does not establish probable cause for police officers to search a car. The ruling came in the case of a 2021 traffic stop in Meeker County where Adam Torgerson was pulled over by Litchfield police for having too many auxiliary lights on his vehicle’s grill. The officer claimed he smelled marijuana coming out of the open vehicle window. Torgerson, who was driving with his wife and… Read more.
Minnesota’s St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is the latest college to partner with cannabis education company Green Flower to offer a certificate-based cannabis education program, KNSI reports. The university is the first in the state to offer a cannabis curriculum. Minnesota’s legislature-approved adult-use cannabis program took effect August 1. In a statement, SCSU President Robbyn Wacker said the endeavor is designed to “meet workforce demand to provide educated professionals in this quickly evolving industry.” The courses take about six months to complete and include: Cannabis Agriculture… Read more.
Minnesota officials outlined the long, labyrinthine process for implementing the state’s new marijuana law during an informational meeting on Wednesday night, offering updates on the search for an Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) director as well as the array of issues still to be hammered out through an expedited rulemaking process. “This is really a unique opportunity for us to assess the business needs, to evaluate the authorities that the legislature and the governor have given to the Office of… Read more.
During a cannabis expo in late July, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura said he is interested in launching a cannabis brand. Ventura, a former professional wrestler, actor, military veteran, and longtime cannabis advocate, said he wants “to be the first major politician in America who puts his likeness, face and everything behind cannabis.” Ventura testified in front of lawmakers as they considered the bill to legalize cannabis, which ultimately passed. Provisions of the law took effect August 1, but retail sales… Read more.
Minnesota Republican lawmakers say they are “disappointed” with the governor and Democratic leadership for their “unwillingness to address glaring defects” in the state’s newly implemented marijuana legalization law, pointing to what they describe as “loopholes” related to policies affecting youth. The letter, led by Rep. Peggy Scott (R), says that Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Democrats have so far ignored their request last month to convene a special session to address the problems that they’ve raised, including their concerns with minimal penalties… Read more.
A Minnesota government psychedelics task force is being built out to prepare the state for the possible legalization of substances like psilocybin and ibogaine. But even though appointments to the panel are behind schedule and it missed a deadline to hold its first meeting by August 1, the lawmaker who championed its creation says he isn’t worried about the delays. Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed the psychedelics legislation into law in May as part of a broader omnibus health and human services package.… Read more.
Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis law took effect on August 1. Those 21 and older can now hold up to two ounces of cannabis in public, consume it in any private place and possess two pounds or cultivate up to eight plants (four mature) at home. House File 100, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz (D) on May 30, makes Minnesota the 23rd US state to legalize cannabis. It also mandates a framework for a regulated retail market, building on that… Read more.
Lines stretched around the block Tuesday for the opening of the first recreational cannabis dispensary in Minnesota. NativeCare on the Red Lake Nation is selling its pot to the public now that cannabis use and possession are legal in the state as of Aug. 1. People came from across the state to take part in the opening and buy weed. Minnesota has not licensed any businesses yet to sell recreational cannabis in the state, but tribal governments don't have to wait for… Read more.
The mayor of Minneapolis has issued an executive order making the criminalization of possession, use and cultivation of psychedelics the city’s lowest law enforcement priority and generally preventing local resources from being used to aid federal and state actions against the substances. The chief of police says he stands with the mayor and will direct officers accordingly. Mayor Jacob Frey (D) signed the order on Friday, sending a strong message that the city does not consider substances like psilocybin to… Read more.
A Native American tribal medical cannabis dispensary may become the first to launch in Minnesota’s recreational marijuana market, following a vote this week by the Red Lake Nation. According to Fox 9, tribal leaders voted to allow NativeCare Dispensary, which the tribe already operates on its reservation in north-central Minnesota, to begin selling to customers 21 and older on Aug. 1, which is when possession and consumption become legal for all residents. That’s months ahead of when non-tribal businesses will be… Read more.
Bars and off-sale liquor stores in North Mankato will now be able to sell alcohol infused with THC or CBD after the City Council Monday night revised its ordinance that had banned it. CBD and THC are the ingredients in marijuana that make people feel high. The ingredients were made legal for sale to adults during the 2022 legislative session. Cities and counties across the state have been struggling with new cannabis-related laws. Last year the Legislature made it legal… Read more.
Minnesota’s Supreme Court is looking for a designee to sit on a marijuana expungements board that is being created under the state’s new legalization law. In a public notice that was posted on Wednesday, the court described the composition and responsibilities of the Cannabis Expungement Board, which will facilitate record sealing for people with eligible marijuana convictions on their records. After the cases are identified by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the board will need to review them to… Read more.
What if I told you that you could sell real cannabis edibles in traditional grocery, convenience and liquor stores in a few dozen states without being bound by local marijuana laws and regulations? What if I told you there’s a huge opportunity for cannabis companies to get their edibles in front of millions of consumers who would never consider walking into a marijuana retailer, but the biggest players in the MJ space seem too scared to take advantage of it?… Read more.
Minnesota's upcoming recreational marijuana law permits residents to smoke weed and grants them the highest possession limit nationwide. In a celebratory event, Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz enthusiastically signed the bill officially legalizing recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above. Governor Walz expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the extensive efforts of many individuals involved in this significant milestone. Why can Minnesotans soon have up to 2 pounds of marijuana? Jesse Ventura, the former governor of Minnesota (1999-2003), was among the early… Read more.
Following the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) clarified that cannabis consumers are still “federally defined as an ‘unlawful user’ of a controlled substance” and therefore “prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition.” In February, a federal judge in Oklahoma ruled that the federal law barring people who use cannabis from owning firearms is unconstitutional. That decision is under appeal. In April, a federal judge in Texas made a similar ruling, and referenced the blanket… Read more.
The United States has seen an increase in the legalization of marijuana, and there is rising support for this formerly banned substance nationwide. With the recent passage of a marijuana legalization measure, Minnesota has joined 22 other states. On Memorial Day, the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, declared that he would sign the legislation legalizing cannabis for recreational use and erasing convictions for small-scale cannabis offenses. According to the local CBS News, the signing ceremony happened on this past Tuesday at… Read more.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) says Jimi Hendrix would be high on the North Star State officially legalizing recreational marijuana. Minnesota on Tuesday became the 23rd state to legalize weed for recreational purposes, as Gov. Tim Walz (D) put his signature on a bill allowing adults over 21 to carry up to 2 ounces in public and possess up to 2 pounds at home, beginning Aug. 1. Ventura, a longtime pro-cannabis advocate, lauded the move. “This is a huge day in our family’s life… Read more.
The bill to legalize recreational cannabis in Minnesota was approved by the legislature on May 20. Walz is scheduled to sign it into law on Tuesday at noon. Watch the bill signing live in the player above. Minnesota cannabis guide: What you need to know Once signed, starting Aug. 1, Minnesota residents over the age of 21 to possess up to 2 pounds at home, and 2 ounces elsewhere. Public consumption will still not be allowed and you could be… Read more.
The Minnesota legislature has sent a large-scale health policy bill to the governor that contains provisions to create a psychedelics task force meant to prepare the state for possible legalization. About one month after the House initially passed the omnibus legislation including language similar to a standalone psychedelics measure sponsored by Rep. Andy Smith (D), both chambers passed a bicamerally negotiated conference report on Monday that retains the provisions. It first cleared the Senate in a 34-32 vote. The House followed suit… Read more.
Minnesota is poised to become the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana, after the state Senate gave its final stamp of approval on legislation early Saturday morning. The bill, which would allow adults over 21 to carry up to 2 ounces of marijuana in public and possess up to 2 pounds at home starting Aug. 1, now heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) desk for signature. He is widely expected to sign the legislation. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging cannabis… Read more.
Gov. Tim Walz has pledged to sign the bill. The Minnesota state Senate gave the final green light early Saturday morning by a vote of 34-32 and sent HF 100, which legalizes recreational marijuana, to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz. Once Walz signs the legislation as he has promised to do, Minnesota will become the 23rd state to have legalized adult-use cannabis. The final bill – which was first approved by the state House of Representatives on Thursday – allows for… Read more.
The Minnesota legislature has approved large-scale legislation that contains provisions to legalize drug paraphernalia possession, syringe services, residue and testing—a win for harm reduction advocates in the state. As part of a criminal justice and public safety omnibus bill, bicameral lawmakers agreed to a final conference report last week that includes the drug policy reform measures. The Senate passed the report on Friday and the House approved it on Monday in a 69-63 vote, sending it to the governor’s desk.… Read more.
Bipartisan and bicameral Minnesota lawmakers will hold their first conference committee meeting on Friday to begin resolving differences between marijuana legalization bills that passed the House and Senate last month. Rep. Zack Stephenson (D), sponsor of the House version, announced the meeting on Wednesday, saying legislators “are making great progress” in informal discussions ahead of the meeting. He and Sen. Lindsey Port (D), the Senate bill sponsor, are “excited to finish the job,” he said. While the bills were identical as introduced earlier… Read more.
A provider of dissolvable cannabis products, announced the launch of their flagship product, Fizzy THC Dissolvable Beverage Tablets. "There have been so many innovative cannabis products that have hit the Twin Cities in the past couple of years. When statute 151.72 passed in 2022, the flood gates opened and Minnesota's cannabis industry has taken off. Our goal is to provide consumers with a new way to enjoy cannabis - with water soluble, dissolvable tablets and products," said David Gonzalez-Cameron, Founder… Read more.
The Minnesota Senate last week narrowly voted to legalize cannabis for adult use on a 34-33 party-line vote, CBS News reports. The approval comes three days after the House approved its own legalization bill. The bills contain some slight differences, and lawmakers will next consider a compromise bill that would require final approval by both chambers. The Senate version includes a 10% tax on cannabis products while the House version included an 8% tax. The Senate measure would also allow adults to possess up to… Read more.
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize marijuana on Tuesday after weeks of extensive committee consideration and a floor debate that spanned two days. Meanwhile, Senate companion legislation will be taken up in its final committee on Wednesday before potentially advancing to the floor, which is expected by the end of the week. The House legislation from Rep. Zack Stephenson (D) was approved by the full chamber, with amendments, in a 71-59 vote. Throughout the session, it has moved… Read more.
Minnesota Marijuana Legalization Bill Clears Another Senate Hurdle Minnesota is close to legalizing marijuana after a Senate committee approved a bill by Sen. Lindsey Port (D). The bill has only two more committees to pass before it can be taken to the full chamber. The House companion bill, sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (D) has already passed through 14 committees, reported Marijuana Moment. Want Some Great Weed In Michigan? Join the ultimate marijuana showdown at Michigan's 4th Annual Cannabis Cup. The competition is back and bigger than ever. With… Read more.
Another Minnesota Senate committee has approved a bill to legalize marijuana—marking one of the final stops in the chamber on its long path to the floor. The legislation from Sen. Lindsey Port (D) cleared the Senate Rules and Administration Committee in a voice vote on Tuesday. It now has just two more expected panels to go through before the full body can take up the measure. This comes about a week after the House companion version, sponsored by Rep. Zack… Read more.
A 14th Minnesota House committee has approved a bill to legalize marijuana, after members adopted a large-scale amendment to overhaul various tax provisions of the legislation. The House Taxes Committee passed the measure from Rep. Zack Stephenson (D) in a voice vote on Thursday. Members also received a much-anticipated fiscal note and revenue projection ahead of the meeting. One of the main changes that was adopted as part of an amendment from the sponsor would gradually decrease the tax rate… Read more.
Another Minnesota House committee has approved a bill to legalize marijuana, after members adopted a large-scale amendment to overhaul various provisions of the legislation. The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee passed the measure in a voice vote on Monday. The panel, chaired by bill sponsor Rep. Zack Stephenson (D), first took up the legislation in January, but it was always the plan to have the proposal returned to the committee. Like a recently adopted change to a companion bill… Read more.
House and Senate committees in Minnesota on Tuesday each altered adult-use cannabis legalization bills being considered by lawmakers, with the House Transportation Finance Committee tacking on an amendment to reduce the amount of cannabis individuals can keep in their homes from 5 pounds to 1.5 pounds, ABC 6 News reports. The Senate State and Local Government committee adopted a 142-page amendment to create distinctions between the industrial hemp industry and the adult-use cannabis industry. Ted Galaty, a hemp farmer and owner of Willow’s Keep Farm, told… Read more.
Oklahoma voters rejected a ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for adult use during a special election this month by a margin of 62 percent, surprising many advocates who saw the popularity of the state’s medical market as a promising sign for adult-use expansion. Ultimately, the state’s medical program proved to be good enough for a majority of voters outside Oklahoma City and Tulsa. But the push to expand domestic cannabis legalization in 2023 is far from over. “For 2024, we’ve calculated Virginia,… Read more.
A marijuana legalization bill cleared another Minnesota Senate committee on Wednesday, bringing the total number of panels in the chamber to advance the legislation so far this session to seven. The Human Services Committee passed the measure from Sen. Lindsey Port (D) in a voice vote. “This allows adults to safely and responsibly use cannabis,” Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten (D), who presented the bill on behalf of Port, told committee members. “It creates a regulated marketplace that’s much safer than… Read more.
Governors from states of diverse political backgrounds are calling on Congress to get the job done on marijuana banking and discussing reform developments in their respective states. As part of a Politico event series this month, the governors of Illinois, Minnesota and North Dakota recently sat down for one-on-one interviews and each took questions about cannabis policy at the state and federal levels. While the top state officials might share differing perspectives on the best strategy for marijuana reform, one… Read more.