It’s legal! Minnesota has become the twenty-third state to legalize recreational adult-use cannabis. What used to be “underground” is now becoming full-fledged support for cannabis–and the industry is ready to boom. Each state has implemented legalization a little differently, and it is important to know what to expect from our state in the months to come.
What this means for consumers:
On the consumer side, there are a lot of things to be excited about. The bill (read the whole bill here) is putting cannabis in the hands of the people first by allowing possession and home-grow before retail sales. An individual may possess up to two pounds of cannabis at their home, and each household may grow up to four immature plants and four mature plants at a time, provided they are kept in an enclosed space. The law also states that employers may not require cannabis drug screenings, with certain exceptions. For example, anyone needing a CDL, health care providers, and child care workers. Of course, employers can and likely will prohibit the consumption of cannabis or being under the influence while at the workplace. Basically, Minnesota employees can feel comfortable being responsible users on their own time, just as with alcohol.
what this means for cannabis convictions:
Starting August 1st, 2023, any minor, non-violent marijuana convictions will be expunged from records automatically, and more serious offenses will enter review for potential expungement. The law will also give preference to business license applicants who fall in this category, such as those living with criminal convictions for possession or sale of cannabis. The intention is to give priority to applicants who have been impacted by anti-cannabis law enforcement in the past, including consideration for social equity and those living in areas with high rates of poverty. The cannabis industry has been scrutinized in recent years for being mostly dominated by privileged or previously wealthy business owners, while those who originally cultivated these products are still in poverty because they were considered criminals. With this in mind, Minnesota’s lawmakers made some impressive decisions. The response of our community and neighboring legal states has been to declare the competency and virtue of the bill, and this specific addition represents a fair shot at inviting everyone to the table.
taxes?
Another important and positive move enacted by the bill revolves around taxes, of all things: part of the revenue will be used to fund prevention and addiction recovery programs! For those interested, an only 10% excise tax has been decided for cannabis products, under the tax rate of tobacco but still not quite as generous as the rates for alcohol. 80% of the tax revenue is expected to cover the state costs of regulating the industry and grants to help cannabis businesses, while the remaining 20% will be distributed to local governments.
What this means for retail:
When it comes to retail sales, it will be a few months before all cannabis products are available on the shelves. Minnesota must establish the Office of Cannabis Management before licenses can be applied for. However, the current cannabis market is available, and we have a wide range of great products at our locations!
At Strains of the Earth, we couldn’t be more excited; new avenues for business, new partnerships, and more opportunities keep presenting themselves. We plan to open more dispensaries, launch our own product line, start offering delivery, provide grow equipment and training, and we’re just scratching the surface! Minnesota already has some great products available from the hemp-derived market. We have seen many established breweries already partnering with cannabis companies to launch THC infused seltzers–one of the most popular new cannabis products in our stores. Stop by our locations in Jordan or Carver to give them a try!
