FAQs

The new law legalizes the possession, use, manufacturing, and sale of certain cannabis products within the state. It establishes the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which is charged with, among other things, enforcing an organized system of regulation for the cannabis industry and the hemp consumer industry. The law also:

• Establishes labor standards for the use of cannabis and hemp products by employees and testing of employees.
• Establishes expungement procedures for certain individuals previously convicted of a crime related to cannabis.

Possession, use, and home growth under this new law will be legal beginning Aug. 1, 2023, and legal sales are expected to begin in January of 2025. Various other effective dates are noted throughout these FAQs as they apply.  

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management

Cities may not prohibit the possession, transportation, or use of cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products authorized by the new law.

A person may not use cannabis flower, cannabis products, or hemp-derived consumer products in a manner that involves the inhalation of smokes, aerosol, or vapor at any location where smoking is prohibited under the Clean Indoor Air Act.

A city may adopt an ordinance establishing a petty misdemeanor offense for a person who unlawfully uses cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place other than the following.

•  A private residence including the person’s curtilage or yard.
•  Private property not generally accessible by the public, unless the person is explicitly prohibited from consuming cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products on the property by the owner of the property.
•  The premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption.

Cannabis products and hemp derived consumer products may only be sold in business with a license issued by the Office of Cannabis Management.