Cannabis Minnesota Laws

Home Cultivation Rules in Minnesota

Cultivation Requirements

All home cannabis cultivation in Minnesota must meet these mandatory requirements:

• Enclosed Space: Plants must be grown in a fully enclosed area (such as a grow tent, closet, or dedicated room)
• Secured Location: Growing area must have locks or security measures to prevent unauthorized access
• Not Visible to Public: Plants cannot be visible from public areas, streets, or neighboring properties without using binoculars or aircraft
• Private Property: Cultivation only permitted on property you own or rent (with landlord permission)
• Age Restriction: Only adults 21 and older may cultivate cannabis plants

Commercial Cultivation

Growing more than 8 plants or selling cannabis requires a state cultivation license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Commercial cultivation includes:

• Large-scale growing operations for retail supply
• Cannabis processing and manufacturing facilities
• Any cultivation intended for sale or distribution

Tenant and Rental Property Considerations

If you rent your home or apartment:

• Review your lease agreement for cannabis cultivation policies
• Obtain written permission from your landlord before growing
• Landlords may prohibit cultivation even though it's legally permitted
• Be aware of potential lease violations and eviction risks
• Consider potential property damage from growing equipment

Retail Cannabis Sales and Licensing

Where to Buy Cannabis in Minnesota

Adults 21 and older can purchase cannabis from the following legal sources:

• Licensed Dispensaries: State-approved recreational cannabis retailers like High Ten Ramsey Dispensary
• Medical Cannabis Dispensaries: Medical program dispensaries that also serve adult-use customers
• Hemp-Derived THC Retailers: Seltzers, gummies, and edibles containing up to 5mg of hemp-derived THC available at various retailers, restaurants, bars, and breweries

What You Need to Purchase Cannabis

• Valid Government-Issued ID: Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID showing you're 21+
• Payment Method: Cash, debit card, or approved cashless payment systems (varies by dispensary)
• Understanding of Limits: Know your daily purchase limits to ensure compliance

Out-of-State Visitors

Minnesota welcomes cannabis consumers from other states:

• No Residency Requirement: You don't need to be a Minnesota resident to purchase cannabis
• Valid ID Required: Any government-issued ID showing you're 21+ is accepted
• Same Purchase Limits: Out-of-state visitors follow the same possession limits as residents

Cannabis Taxation in Minnesota

Recreational cannabis sales are subject to specific taxes:

• 15% Cannabis Excise Tax: Applied to all recreational cannabis products
• State Sales Tax: Standard Minnesota sales tax (currently 6.875%)
• Local Sales Taxes: Additional local taxes may apply depending on jurisdiction
• Medical Cannabis: Medical cannabis program sales are not taxed

Cannabis Business Licensing

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees all cannabis business licensing:

• Retail Dispensary Licenses: For selling cannabis to consumers
• Cultivation Licenses: For growing and harvesting cannabis plants
• Manufacturing Licenses: For processing cannabis into products (edibles, concentrates, etc.)
• Testing Laboratory Licenses: For analyzing cannabis product safety and potency
• Transporter Licenses: For moving cannabis between licensed facilities

Local Government Authority

Minnesota municipalities have specific powers regarding cannabis businesses:

• Zoning Regulations: Cities can determine where cannabis businesses may operate
• Operating Restrictions: Local governments can set business hour limitations and distance requirements
• Cannot Ban Outright: Cities and counties cannot completely ban cannabis businesses within their borders
• Retailer Limits: Local governments can limit the number of cannabis retailers to one for every 12,500 residents

Social Equity in Licensing

Minnesota's cannabis program includes social equity provisions:

• Priority licensing for individuals from communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement
• Technical assistance and support for social equity applicants
• Lower application fees for qualified social equity businesses
• Access to capital and financing programs

Legal Framework and Protections

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)

The OCM is the state agency responsible for regulating all aspects of Minnesota's cannabis industry:

• Issuing and renewing business licenses
• Establishing safety and testing standards
• Enforcing compliance with state cannabis laws
• Developing rules and regulations for the industry
• Overseeing the state's cannabis tracking system
• Managing social equity programs

Employment Rights and Protections

Minnesota law provides certain protections for cannabis users in the workplace:

• Medical Cannabis Patients: Employers must provide notice and justification before disciplining medical cannabis patients following a positive drug test (as of 2025)
• Off-Duty Use: Limited protections exist for legal off-duty cannabis use
• Workplace Policies: Employers can still maintain drug-free workplace policies and prohibit impairment at work
• Safety-Sensitive Positions: Stricter rules may apply for positions involving public safety or federal regulations
• Pre-Employment Testing: Employers can still conduct pre-employment drug screening

Criminal Record Expungement

Minnesota has implemented cannabis conviction relief measures:

• Automatic Expungement: Past low-level cannabis offenses are automatically expunged from criminal records
• Cannabis Expungement Board: Reviews and processes more serious cannabis-related cases for potential expungement
• No Application Required: Many expungements happen automatically without requiring individuals to apply
• Relief Eligibility: Offenses that would now be legal under current law are prioritized for expungement

Medical Cannabis Program

Minnesota maintains a separate medical cannabis program with distinct benefits:

• Higher Possession Limits: Medical patients may possess larger quantities than recreational users
• Tax Exemption: Medical cannabis purchases are not subject to the 15% excise tax
• Access to Medical Products: Specialized formulations and higher-potency products available only to medical patients
• Workplace Protections: Enhanced employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients
• Qualifying Conditions: Must have a diagnosed qualifying medical condition and physician recommendation

Federal Law Considerations

• Federal Property: Cannabis possession and use prohibited on all federal property
• Interstate Commerce: Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime
• Banking Limitations: Federal banking restrictions affect cannabis businesses
• Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face immigration consequences for cannabis use or employment
• Federal Employment: Federal workers cannot use cannabis even in legal states

Driving and Cannabis

Minnesota has strict laws regarding cannabis and motor vehicles:

• DWI Laws Apply: Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal and carries the same penalties as alcohol DWI
• Open Container: Cannabis products must be stored in the trunk or a sealed container while driving
• No Consumption in Vehicles: Using cannabis in a vehicle (even as a passenger) is prohibited
• Field Sobriety Tests: Law enforcement can conduct roadside impairment testing
• Penalties: Include license suspension, fines up to $3,000, and potential jail time

Future Legislative Developments

Minnesota's cannabis laws continue to evolve:

• Ongoing Rulemaking: The OCM continues finalizing administrative rules through 2025-2026
• License Expansion: Additional business license types and categories being developed
• On-Site Consumption: Regulations for cannabis consumption lounges and event permits in development
• Market Maturation: More dispensaries and product variety expected as the market develops
• Policy Refinements: Laws may be adjusted based on implementation experience

Responsible Consumption Guidelines

For safe and legal cannabis use in Minnesota:

• Start with low doses, especially with edibles and concentrates
• Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more edibles
• Never drive or operate machinery while impaired
• Store cannabis securely away from children and pets
• Respect non-smoking areas and private property rules
• Be considerate of neighbors and people around you
• Know your tolerance and consume responsibly
• Consult healthcare providers if you have medical concerns