Minnesota State Wire

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz signed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis and providing for the expungement or resentencing of cannabis convictions. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan were joined by former Governor Jesse Ventura, legislators, and advocates to celebrate the bill signing. Photos from the event are linked here.

“We’ve known for too long that prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn’t worked. By legalizing adult-use cannabis, we’re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Walz. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging or resentencing cannabis convictions will strengthen communities. This is the right move for Minnesota.”

“Legalizing adult-use cannabis is about keeping our communities safe, advancing justice for Minnesotans, and investing in a strong economic future,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn’t worked and has disproportionately harmed communities of color across the state. By expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions, we are removing the barriers that prevent thousands of Minnesotans from fully returning to work, to their communities, and to their lives. This is how we make safer communities.”

Chapter 63, House File 100 legalizes adult-use cannabis and establishes a new Office of Cannabis Management to regulate the new industry. The law also directs for the expungement or resentencing of cannabis related convictions. The bill includes a 10% tax on recreational cannabis.

Cannabis use and possession of certain amounts will be decriminalized beginning August 1 along with the establishment of the Cannabis Expungement Board and provisions related to the automatic expungement of lower-level cannabis offenses. The bill allows sales for legal adult-use cannabis in Minnesota begin in the first quarter of 2025.

The bill also includes grants for cannabis growers; substance use treatment, recovery, and prevention; and communities that have disproportionately suffered the effects of cannabis prohibition.

Original source can be found here.