In a historic move, Minnesota lawmakers have finalized a marijuana legalization bill in conference committee, paving the way for recreational use by 2023. The Minnesota House of Representatives gave final approval to the bill, which eliminates criminal penalties for possession of small amounts, earlier this year. The Senate followed suit, voting along party lines to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.
The law will take effect on July 1, 2023, and will allow adults to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana in public and up to 10 pounds at home. The state will also establish a regulatory framework for licensing and taxing marijuana businesses, which is expected to generate millions in revenue for the state.
The bill also includes measures to address social equity in the cannabis industry, such as expunging criminal records for previous marijuana convictions and creating opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs to participate in the legal market.