Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis in 2023 but retail sales are delayed until mid-2025 due to licensing complications and lawsuits. Adults can legally possess generous amounts (2 oz public/2 lbs home) and grow up to 8 plants. Currently, only tribal dispensaries sell recreational cannabis while the state works out licensing issues. The medical program continues alongside recreational legalization. Minnesota has a 10% cannabis tax (lower than many states) with revenue split 80% state/20% local. The state emphasizes social equity in licensing but faces challenges getting the market operational.
For medical marijuana: 1) Get certified by a licensed Minnesota healthcare provider for a qualifying condition, 2) Register with the state's medical cannabis program, 3) Pay required fees, 4) Access products through licensed medical cannabis facilities. The program is transitioning to the Office of Cannabis Management in March 2025.
Medical marijuana qualifying conditions include: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette's syndrome, ALS, seizures including epilepsy, severe and persistent muscle spasms, IBD including Crohn's disease, terminal illness with less than one year life expectancy, intractable pain, and PTSD. The Office of Medical Cannabis reviews and may add new conditions annually based on medical research and public input.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees both medical and recreational cannabis programs. The OCM handles licensing, regulation, compliance, and enforcement for all cannabis activities. The medical program is transitioning from the Department of Health to the OCM in March 2025.
Yes, medical marijuana patients must register with Minnesota's medical cannabis program to access medical cannabis products. However, recreational users 21+ don't need registration - they can possess and cultivate cannabis legally and will be able to purchase from retail dispensaries when they open.
Currently, medical patients access cannabis through the state's limited medical program dispensaries. Recreational users can only access cannabis through home cultivation or tribal dispensaries (Red Lake Nation and White Earth Nation) until state-licensed retail dispensaries open in 2025. Cannabis delivery will be available when retail sales begin.
Medical cannabis registration fees vary but are generally under $200 annually. The state is working to reduce barriers and costs for patients. Recreational users don't pay registration fees but will pay a 10% cannabis tax plus state and local sales taxes when retail sales begin.
