Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to signal a invoice Tuesday that legalizes leisure marijuana for folks over the age of 21, making Minnesota the twenty third state to legalize the substance for adults.
Former Gov. Jesse Ventura, who supported legalization when he served from 1999-2003, is predicted to attend the signing ceremony. Walz mentioned in November that Ventura could be invited as a result of Ventura was one of many first governors within the nation to help legalization.
Underneath the brand new measure, it might develop into authorized by Aug. 1 to own, use and develop marijuana at dwelling. Possession of hashish flower could be restricted to 2 kilos (0.9 kilos) at dwelling and a couple of ounces (56 grams) in public. Stricter caps could be positioned on hashish merchandise with concentrated THC.
Retail gross sales at dispensaries would most likely be not less than a 12 months away. As soon as licensed, shops would cost gross sales tax plus a ten% hashish tax.
Minnesotans who’ve been convicted of misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor possession would additionally get their information robotically expunged. Nevertheless, the Bureau of Legal Apprehension has estimated it is going to take till August of subsequent 12 months to course of all circumstances. Others with extra severe convictions, resembling these with possession offenses that exceeded even the brand new limits, may additionally be capable to apply for lowered sentences.
Democrats took full management of state authorities when the Legislature convened for its 2023 session, marking the primary time in eight years they’ve held the “trifecta” of the Senate, Home and governor’s workplace. With that energy, they handed a protracted record of legislative priorities — together with legalization — that the earlier Senate Republican majority had blocked.
Walz has lengthy been a supporter of legalizing leisure marijuana for adults. In 2021, the Democratic-controlled Home handed a legalization invoice with a number of Republicans voting sure, however the GOP-controlled Senate by no means gave it a vote.
Final 12 months, the Legislature handed a invoice legalizing THC in edible or drinkable kind if it’s derived from hemp. Many lawmakers apparently didn’t understand what they had been doing because it sailed by way of underneath the radar. Low-strength gummies and drinks have been on sale since July.
Former Gov. Ventura mentioned in November that Walz had referred to as him up the day after his reelection and mentioned he anticipated a brand new legalization invoice to go. Ventura, an unbiased who doesn’t often make endorsements, backed Walz over Republican Scott Jensen, and mentioned legalization was one of many many the explanation why.
