On Tuesday, the DFL-controlled House of Representatives moved Minnesota closer to legalizing recreational marijuana for adults.
After a lengthy debate that went on from Monday night into Tuesday afternoon, the House finally voted in favor of the motion by a margin of 71 to 59. The Senate will vote on this issue on Friday.
Office of Cannabis Management
Low-level cannabis convictions would be automatically expunged and an expungement board would be established to evaluate felony offenses under the measure, which is the result of hours of testimony and 16 committee meetings. Supporters of the measure say this underscores one of its central goals: reversing the harms of cannabis prohibition that have fallen disproportionately on people of color.
Assuming the bill is enacted into law, possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use will become legal in Minnesota this summer. However, it will take at least a year to establish the regulatory framework for taxation, rules, and licensing of new legal cannabis enterprises.
It would create a state Office of Cannabis Management. A state license is needed to grow, process, or sell marijuana to retail shops in Minnesota.
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Reconcile Details
The House and Senate legislation would allow 21-year-old Minnesotans to buy 2 ounces of cannabis flower, 8 grams of concentrate, and 800 milligrams of edibles. Adults might grow eight cannabis plants at home.
The tax rate and home possession limit for consumable marijuana are still being debated. The Senate limits private possession to 2 pounds, whereas the House limits it to 1 1/2 pounds.
Senate Democrats recently raised their cannabis gross receipts tax to 10%, while House Democrats have suggested an 8% tax over four years.
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