Minnesota Medical Cannabis Laws are Changing. Here’s What you Need to Know

Minnesota cannabis is currently in a gray area. Adult-use dispensaries (St. Paul and elsewhere) aren’t open yet, but progress is happening and the Minnesota cannabis market is rapidly evolving and developing. Read on to learn more about what’s happening with dispensaries in St. Paul and throughout the state. 

Decriminalization Paving the Way for St. Paul Dispensary Progress

On August 1, 2023, full decriminalization actively became law in the state. This allowed the possession, use and home-grow of cannabis for people ages 21 and older. Paraphernalia is allowed, as well as possession and transport of up to two ounces of Minnesota cannabis flower in a public place or eight grams of concentrate. Up to two pounds of cannabis flower in a person’s private residence is legal as well. 

Giving away cannabis flower and products to a person 21 or older in an amount legal for a person to possess in public is permitted. St. Paul dispensary sales, as well as all other dispensary sales, however, will not begin until 2025. The first round of recreational dispensary St. Paul (and throughout the state) licensing opened in summer 2024 for social equity applicants.

Changes to Minnesota Medical Cannabis Law

Minnesota medical cannabis law, on the other hand, has recently granted patients easier access to cannabis. Now, only a doctor’s approval is needed to get medical cannabis. 

As of July 1, the state’s list of qualifying conditions became extraneous in most cases, when revised state law allowed patients to gain access simply through their doctors’ recommendation. Giving physicians broad discretion to recommend medical cannabis makes sense, as patients will soon be able to utilize the recreational marketplace if not approved for the medical program, said Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville. Port’s legislation this session prompted the expansion to Minnesota medical cannabis law. MN medical cannabis product sales are not taxed, while recreational sales will have a 10% tax.

Tribal Dispensaries are Coming in 2024

Cannabis law Minnesota does allow some retail recreational sales in 2024: under the 11 federally recognized tribal governments in the state. Minnesota tribes determine who may operate businesses on their tribally regulated land, per their own regulations. Two tribal nations are expected to open recreational dispensaries in August:

• The White Earth Nation in northwestern Minnesota will sell to both tribal members and non-tribal adults 21 years and older
• NativeCare is a dispensary expected to open shortly on Red Lake Nation, which is also in northwestern Minnesota. All of the products here are sustainably grown and produced on Red Lake Nation sovereign land

Crackdowns at Illegal Dispensaries in St. Paul and Elsewhere

Meanwhile, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), newly opened on July 1, is cracking down on certain strains of cannabinoids among state businesses. Officials reminded retailers on July 16 that, per cannabis law in Minnesota, only delta-8 and delta-9 THC are allowed in hemp edibles. Specifically, THC-V, also known as “diet weed,” is illegal. 

Spokesperson for the Office of Cannabis Management Josh Collins said illegal strains of cannabinoids enter the Minnesota market due to their legality in other states and nationwide suppliers. “The regulations from state to state can be different,” said Collins. “It’s complicated for retailers. If they’re working with a supplier working with product that’s legal in one state and not in another, it’s complex.” Collins said Minnesotans will be able to petition the state to add additional cannabinoids, such as THC-V, in January 2026.

New Laws Ahead of the Weed Dispensary St. Paul Boom

The OCM has also been working to establish Minnesota cannabis laws before they are needed, such as rules around hosting cannabis events. Currently, the law includes specific sections that permit the hosting of public events where cannabis and hemp-derived edible products are consumed. However, until the rules are enforced in early 2025, there is no mechanism for OCM to license event organizers or issue on-site endorsements for other cannabis license holders. Consumption, sales and local considerations are all included in this cannabis law Minnesota.

Free samples are allowed within certain parameters, such as up to two ounces of Minnesota cannabis flower, eight grams of cannabis concentrate or 800 milligrams of cannabis or lower-potency hemp edibles. Advertising and merchandise is permitted as long as it doesn’t appeal to children and adheres to Minnesota cannabis law. The Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits all smoking inside a public place, daycare center, hospital and on public transportation, remains in effect. 

OCM will offer opportunities for the public to be engaged in rulemaking, including hosting feedback sessions on draft rules. In addition, a 30-day formal public comment period will occur after OCM submits final draft rules to the State Register. To stay up to date, subscribe to Rulemaking email updates.

Meet the Best Dispensaries in St. Paul and Beyond at CannaCon

Cannabis law in Minnesota is being carefully and realistically considered. Stay abreast of updates and changes through CannaCon’s website and social media as well as by attending the upcoming event in St. Paul on August 16 & 17. 

CannaCon is the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference. Our goal is to grow the cannabis industry by educating cannabis business owners on all things related to cannabis and CBD. CannaCon trade shows feature a large exhibition hall with exhibitors from around the country as well as seminars delivered by industry experts, like the leaders of the best dispensaries in St. Paul and throughout the country. Be on the cutting edge and register to attend today!

This article was originally published on August 24, 2021. It was updated on December 5, 2023, and July 30, 2024.