Saint Paul, Minn. — For the first time ever, under DFL leadership, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill to legalize cannabis for adult use and expunge records for people convicted of nonviolent offenses involving cannabis.
“Minnesota’s current cannabis policy is doing more harm than good. After approaching this topic thoughtfully over several years, House DFLers have developed adult-use cannabis legislation that eliminates many of these harms and will ensure a better outlook for Minnesotans,” said Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth), the House Deputy Majority Leader. “This legislation recognizes the growing support among Minnesotans for legal adult-use cannabis to improve equity, create economic opportunity, and improve our criminal justice system.”
“House DFLers have taken the time to assemble a bill that delivers the type of cannabis policy Minnesotans are asking for, centered in racial equity, personal freedom, and the health of Minnesotans,” said Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth). “Significantly, the bill also improves upon our medical cannabis program, permitting flower to be used, allowing more Minnesotans to realize health benefits from cannabis. I’ve been a co-author of adult-use cannabis legislation in prior sessions, and was proud to support the legislation tonight.”
The adult-use cannabis bill would create a responsible regulatory structure focused on developing micro-businesses and a craft market; expunge most cannabis convictions; fund public health awareness, youth access prevention, and substance abuse treatment; provide grants, loans, technical assistance, and training for small businesses; require testing and labeling of products; restrict packaging based on dosage size; and allow limited home grow abilities.
Legalizing adult-use cannabis would advance racial equity in Minnesota. Black and white Minnesotans consume cannabis at very similar rates, yet while Black Minnesotans make up just 5% of the population they represent 30% of cannabis arrests.
As of Nov. 4, 2020, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota approved measures to regulate cannabis for adult-use, bringing the total to 15 states and 3 territories. A total of 36 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have approved comprehensive, publicly available medical marijuana/cannabis programs.
The legislation earned approval from 12 House committees. If passed by the Minnesota Senate before the Legislature’s May 17th constitutional adjournment deadline, the bill could be signed into law. This year, the Republican-controlled Senate has blocked all public discussion on adult-use cannabis proposals, but there is still plenty of time to allow senators to vote.