The Minnesota Senate on Saturday passed a bill to legalize cannabis in the state, moving it to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz (D) who has indicated he would sign it into law, the Associated Press reports. Once signed by Walz, Minnesotans aged 21-and-older will be allowed to possess, consume, and grow cannabis at home beginning August 1.
The bill passed 34-32 on a party-line vote.
The bill includes a 10% excise tax on sales on top of the state’s standard sales tax. The legislation will allow adults to possess up to 2 pounds in their homes – the highest personal possession limits allowed by a cannabis legalization law in the U.S. The bill caps public possession of flower at 2 ounces, 800 milligrams of edibles, and 8 grams of concentrates.
The legislation also includes automatic expungement provisions for misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor cannabis possession. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has estimated it will take until August of next year to process eligible charges.
Minnesota Democrats have been pushing to pass the reforms for years but took full control of the state government following the 2022 elections.
Once the bill is signed by Walz, Minnesota will become the 23rd state to legalize cannabis.
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