On Saturday, May 20, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above.
The legislation has successfully passed through the House and is soon to be transmitted to Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who has made a commitment to affix his signature, thus enacting it as law.
Regulations for Proposed Marijuana Legalization
Advocates of the bill argued that it would promote public well-being and safety, as well as advance social equity. Conversely, its critics contended that it would have the opposite effect.
Commencing on August 1, the bill seeks to decriminalize the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for personal purposes. However, the initiation of retail sales at dispensaries is anticipated to take no less than a year.
Under the proposed legislation, possession of cannabis flowers will be limited to 2 pounds within private residences and 2 ounces in public. Additionally, there will be an additional 10% tax on cannabis products, in addition to the current sales taxes.
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Debate on Motivations
Furthermore, restrictions will be imposed on the amount of THC in edibles, such as candies or sweets (limited to 800mg), and cannabis concentrates (limited to 8g).
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension estimates that the process of expunging the records of Minnesotans who have been convicted of misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor possession will likely be completed by August of the following year.
Individuals who have only engaged in the sale of Marijuana or nonviolent offenses related to marijuana may have their criminal records expunged or face reduced penalties.
The number of dispensaries and their proximity to schools will be subject to negotiation with local governments, although a complete ban on dispensaries is not permissible.
Nonetheless, during Saturday’s Senate meeting, Fergus Falls Republican state senator Jordan Rasmusson voiced his opposition to the measure.
According to Rasmusson, the bill’s proponents are driven by the desire to shape a new business to align with their own beliefs. He further argued that the legislation is motivated by corporate interests, grants preferential treatment to individuals with previous drug convictions, and fails to adequately address law enforcement concerns regarding possession limits.
In response, Democratic representative Lindsey Port from Burnsville asserted that the legalization and regulation of marijuana would protect children from the detrimental effects of the illicit market, eliminate risks to public health and safety, and reinvest in communities affected by past marijuana policies.
The measure was approved with a party-line vote of 34 to 32.
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