Minnesota has moved decisively into the legal cannabis category, permitting recreational weed for adults while continuing to operate a regulated medical marijuana program. Adults 21 and older can legally possess and grow cannabis under state law, though retail sales are still rolling out as regulators finalize licensing and oversight. This page explains Minnesota’s current marijuana legality, including recreational possession limits, home cultivation rules, medical cannabis access, and how the state’s approach compares regionally. For readers who want to see how Minnesota’s cannabis laws differ nationwide, explore our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Minnesota
1. Legal Status
- Recreational Use: Legal for adults aged 21 and older since August 1, 2023.
- Medical Use: Legal since 2014 through a state-regulated program.
2. Possession Limits (Recreational)
- Public Possession: Up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower.
- Private/Home Possession: Up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower.
- Cannabis Concentrates: Up to 8 grams.
- Edibles: Up to 800 milligrams of THC.
3. Cultivation at Home
- Up to 8 cannabis plants per household.
- No more than 4 can be mature (flowering) at one time.
- Cultivation must occur in a secure, enclosed area not visible to the public.
4. Medical Cannabis Program
- Eligibility: Requires certification by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
- Qualifying Conditions: Includes cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain, glaucoma, and more.
- Supply Limit: Patients can possess a 90-day supply as approved.
5. Retail Sales and Licensing
- Retail stores not yet open as of May 2025.
- The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is managing business licenses and regulatory oversight.
- Sales expected to begin mid-to-late 2025.
- Licensing emphasizes social equity for communities impacted by prior prohibition laws.
6. Usage Restrictions
- Smoking or vaping prohibited in public housing, apartments, and condominiums (unless specifically allowed).
- Driving under the influence remains illegal.
- Police cannot search vehicles based only on odor of cannabis.
7. Criminal Justice Reform
- Automatic expungement underway for tens of thousands of low-level cannabis convictions.
Minnesota has established a progressive cannabis policy that emphasizes personal freedom, public safety, and social equity. While adult-use possession and cultivation are now legal, commercial sales are still pending regulatory implementation.
