Global Courant 2023-05-30 23:06:25
ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Surrounded by dozens of people wearing green clothing, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill Tuesday to legalize recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21, making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize the substance for adults.
Former Governor Jesse Ventura, who supported legalization when he served from 1999-2003, attended the signing ceremony. Walz said in November that Ventura would be invited because Ventura was one of the first governors in the country to support legalization.
Under the new law, starting August 1, it will be legal to possess, use and grow marijuana at home. Possession of cannabis flowers is limited to 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) at home and 2 ounces (56 grams) in public. There will be stricter caps on cannabis products with concentrated THC.
Retail sales at pharmacies will likely continue for at least another year. Once licensed, shops will charge sales tax plus a 10% cannabis tax.
Minnesotans convicted of a misdemeanor or possession of a minor crime will also have their records automatically expunged. However, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension estimates it will take until August next year to process all cases. Others with more serious convictions, such as possession offenses that even exceeded the new limits, may also be able to apply for a reduced sentence.
Democrats took full control of the state government when the legislature convened for its 2023 session, marking the first time in eight years that they had held the “trifecta” of the Senate, House and governor’s office. With that power, they passed a long list of legislative priorities — including legalization — that the previous Senate Republican majority had blocked.
Walz has long been a proponent of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. In 2021, the Democrat-controlled House passed a legalization bill, with several Republicans voting yes, but the GOP-controlled Senate never voted on it.
Last year, the legislature passed a bill legalizing THC in edible or drinkable form if it comes from hemp. Many lawmakers apparently didn’t realize what they were doing when it sailed under the radar. Gummies and low-strength drinks have been on sale since July.
Former Governor Ventura said in November that Walz called him the day after his re-election and said he expected a new legalization bill to be passed. Ventura, an independent who normally doesn’t give endorsements, endorsed Walz over Republican Scott Jensen, saying legalization was one of many reasons why.
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Trisha Ahmed is on the Corps for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that puts journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-reported issues. Follow Trisha Ahmed on Twitter: @TrishaAhmed15
