Minnesota just became the most recent state in the country to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Now, the governor has suggested legal cannabis sales could happen sooner than previously expected because of the state’s tribal governments.
While state licensing for retail cannabis in Minnesota could be up to 18 months away or longer, Gov. Tim Walz (D) suggested that legal cannabis sales could arrive sooner if retailers start selling recreational cannabis on tribal lands in an interview with Fox 9.
Minnesota officially became the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis on May 30. Beginning Aug. 1, adults over 21 will be allowed to legally use and cultivate cannabis, as well as possess up to two pounds at home and two ounces elsewhere. The legislation sets up an Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee the regulation and sale of cannabis products in the state.
Previously Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, and bill co-author estimated it would be at least 12 to 18 months before legal retail cannabis sales launched. The first retail license is expected to be available in January 2025.
The projected gap between the start of legal consumption and legal sales could be a concern, looking toward delayed markets like New York and some of the illicit operations that popped up after. However, it appears the gap could be filled on tribal lands. Walz toured a facility at White Earth Nation and described it as a “world-class operation,” according to Fox 9.
“My hope is to see them thrive in this industry,” Walz said.
The governor has said he doesn’t endorse cannabis use and advises his children against it. Though he also believes tribal governments understand one of the core ideas behind cannabis reform was eliminating black marketing cannabis moonshine.
“The issue here is we get some regulation over it,” Walz said. “I’m deeply concerned about this stuff that’s coming off the streets that’s laced with fentanyl or xylazine or whatever it might be.”
At the signing ceremony last month, Walz recognized that prohibition “does not work,” and indicated that adults should be able to make their own decisions “around these types of choices.”
“We’ve known for too long that prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn’t worked. By legalizing adult-use cannabis, we’re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe,” Walz said. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging or resentencing cannabis convictions will strengthen communities. This is the right move for Minnesota.”
Additionally, the bill expunges low-level cannabis convictions, automatically expunging non-felony cannabis offenses and establishing a board to review more serious cannabis crimes. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s process of automatically clearing records is set to begin Aug. 1, according to the bill.
In addition to the cannabis legalization bill, Walz signed Senate File 2934 earlier that week, the Human Services budget proposal. It includes a section mandating the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to create grants for harm reduction organizations. The funding must be used to create safe recovery sites offering harm reduction services and supplies, “including but not limited to safe injection spaces,” according to the bill.
Walz also signed a psychedelics bill that week, establishing a Psychedelic medicine Task Force in the state, similar to other states that have introduced psychedelic reform. The task force would be responsible for advising lawmakers on legal, medical and policy issues associated with psychedelics legalization in Minnesota. It would also examine existing literature surrounding the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelic medicines to treat mental health conditions.
