Minnesota's history with cannabis legislation spans over a century, from the state's first prohibition of the plant in 1915 to the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in 2021. Like many other states, Minnesota's cannabis legislation has been shaped by a complex web of cultural, social, and political factors, as well as evolving scientific understanding of the plant's effects.
The state's initial prohibition of cannabis in the early 20th century reflected broader fears about drug use and its perceived impact on public health and morality, while the recent legalization of recreational use represents a significant shift in both public opinion and state policy. This article will explore the key moments and trends in Minnesota's cannabis legislation, from its early prohibition to its current legal status.
Initial Prohibition
In the early 20th century, many states, including Minnesota, began to pass laws prohibiting the use and sale of various drugs, including cannabis. These laws were often driven by concerns about the effects of drugs on public health and safety, as well as fears about the potential for drug use to lead to moral decay and social disorder.
In the case of Minnesota, the prohibition of cannabis was part of a broader effort to regulate drug use in the state. The Minnesota Poison Law, passed in 1907, prohibited the sale of various drugs, including opium, cocaine, and morphine, without a prescription. In 1915, the state passed the Minnesota Cannabis Prohibition Law, which made it illegal to cultivate, sell, or possess cannabis in any form.
Overall, the prohibition of cannabis in Minnesota and throughout the United States was driven by a complex set of social, cultural, and political factors, and reflected broader anxieties about drug use and its potential effects on society.
The Path to Emerald City
The legalization of medical cannabis in Minnesota in 2014 was the result of a long and contentious process that involved numerous debates and revisions to the state's drug policy. The push for medical cannabis legalization in Minnesota was primarily driven by patient advocacy groups, who argued that the drug could be a valuable tool in managing a range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to seizures.
In 2009, a group of patients with debilitating medical conditions began lobbying the Minnesota state legislature for access to medical cannabis. Over the following years, various bills and proposals were introduced in the state legislature, but they were met with resistance from some lawmakers who were concerned about the potential for abuse and the lack of federal approval for medical cannabis.
In 2014, a compromise bill was finally passed by the state legislature, allowing medical cannabis to be used for a limited number of medical conditions, such as cancer, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS. The law established a system of licensed manufacturers and dispensaries to provide patients with access to medical cannabis, and it set strict regulations on who could use the drug and under what circumstances.
The 2014 law was a significant milestone in the history of Minnesota's cannabis legislation, as it marked the first time that the state had legalized the use of the drug for any purpose. The law was widely seen as a victory for patient advocates, who had spent years pushing for greater access to medical cannabis, and it paved the way for further reforms to the state's drug policy in the years to come.
Proactive Pushes
There were several significant changes to Minnesota's cannabis legislation between the year of medical cannabis legalization in 2014 and the year of recreational cannabis legalization in 2021.
In 2016, Minnesota expanded its medical cannabis program by adding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of qualifying medical conditions. The state also approved the use of cannabis oil for patients with severe and rare forms of epilepsy, which helped to expand the availability of medical cannabis to a larger patient population.
In 2019, Minnesota passed a law that allowed patients with chronic pain to use medical cannabis as a treatment option. The law also allowed for the use of smokable cannabis flower as a form of medical cannabis, which was previously prohibited.
In addition to these changes to the state's medical cannabis program, there were also significant efforts to decriminalize cannabis possession in Minnesota. In 2019, the city of Minneapolis passed an ordinance that eliminated most low-level marijuana offenses, and several other cities in the state followed suit. These efforts to reduce the penalties for low-level cannabis offenses helped to shift public opinion and build support for broader legalization efforts. In 2020, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis, but the bill did not advance in the state Senate.
Overall, these changes to Minnesota's cannabis legislation between 2014 and 2021 reflected a growing recognition of the potential medical benefits of cannabis, as well as a broader shift in public opinion regarding the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.
Close, But No Dice for Recreational Use
The legalization of recreational cannabis by the House in the 2021 legal session was the result of a long and complex process that involved many years of advocacy and political debate. The push for legalization was primarily driven by a coalition of advocacy groups, including cannabis reform organizations and racial justice groups, who argued that legalization would help to address issues of racial and social inequality in the state's criminal justice system.
A major factor in the push for legalization was the growing recognition of the potential economic benefits of a regulated cannabis industry. Many advocates pointed to the success of other states that had legalized recreational cannabis, such as Colorado and California, as evidence of the positive impact that legalization could have on tax revenue and job creation.
Finally, in 2021, after years of advocacy and political debate, the Minnesota legislature passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. The law established a system for regulating and licensing cannabis businesses, and included provisions to address issues of social and racial equity in the industry. The legalization of recreational cannabis in Minnesota was a significant milestone in the state's history, and represented a major shift in both public opinion and state policy.
While this was an exciting time for cannabis advocates in Minnesota, the bill went nowhere in the state Senate.
A Small Step Forward
In July of 2022, cannabis advocates received a small victory in recreational cannabis use in the legislation’s response to unregulated delta-8 THC products that were on the market. The state legislation passed a law legalizing food and beverages containing THC that has been derived from hemp. The products are limited to a total of 50 mg of THC with 5 mg per serving. While the law was meant to target only delta-8 THC, it created a loophole for delta-9 THC derived from hemp.
The Future of Cannabis in Minnesota
The month of January in 2023 saw another push for recreational cannabis use in the state legislature of Minnesota. The legislation passed by the House builds on the reform measure that passed the full House in 2021. In late January it was announced the bill passed its fourth House Committee and moved onto the Senate. Minnesota will be one of the state’s to watch as it inches closer to legalization of recreational cannabis use.
So, What About CBD?
In Minnesota, the legality of CBD is somewhat complex and depends on the source of the CBD and its THC content.
Under state law, CBD derived from industrial hemp is legal in Minnesota, as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC by weight. This means that products made from industrial hemp, including CBD oil and other CBD-infused products, can be sold and used in the state without a prescription.
However, the legality of CBD derived from marijuana, which can contain higher levels of THC, is more complex. While Minnesota has a medical cannabis program that allows patients with qualifying conditions to use marijuana-derived CBD, possession of marijuana and marijuana-derived products without a medical cannabis card is illegal in the state.
Those looking to try products that do not require a medical prescription can check out E1011 Labs’ line of CBD-rich hemp flower filled stelo™. Each stelo™ is packed with terpenes and cannabinoids to create flavors designed for every mood.
