Minnesota Senate Passes Recreational Marijuana Law

(KNSI) – The Senate approved making Minnesota the next state to okay recreational marijuana.

The party-line vote had 34 Democrats supporting it, and 33 Republicans opposed. A similar version passed the House on Tuesday. Both bills now head to a joint conference committee where their differences will be hashed out. Once the two bills are rolled together, the House and Senate will hold final votes on the law.

Both bills would allow Minnesotans 21 and older to buy up to two ounces of marijuana flower, eight grams of concentrate and 800 milligrams of edible products at once. Residents could also grow up to eight plants at home.

Differences include issues around at-home marijuana possession and the tax rate for products.

The Senate bill allows Minnesotans who grow their own to possess up to five pounds of flower in their homes. Nongrowers would be limited to two pounds. The House bill imposes a personal possession limit of 1½ pounds. Senate Democrats are also proposing a higher tax of 10% on cannabis products, while the House bill would enact an 8% tax.

The Senate bill would allow cities to cap the number of dispensaries, while the House version would not.

The bill would automatically expunge misdemeanor pot charges and form a committee to consider removal of felony-level marijuana crimes from a person’s record.

Governor Tim Walz says he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

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