Is Weed Legal in Minnesota? Cannabis Legalization Guide (Updated – 2025)

Minnesota’s cannabis laws have changed significantly, with recreational marijuana becoming legal in August 2023. As we move into “2025”, it’s important to understand how these laws affect both recreational users and medical patients.

This 2025 Cannabis Guide covers everything you need to know about marijuana in Minnesota. You’ll also find information on getting a medical marijuana card, the limits on possession and cultivation, and guidelines for safe consumption.

Whether you’re using cannabis for medical reasons, exploring recreational use, or just want to stay informed, this guide will help you navigate Minnesota’s cannabis laws in 2025.

Marijuana Minnesota Weed Laws History

2014

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act into law making Minnesota the 23rd state to pass medical marijuana legislation.
This law enabled the treatment of nine severe medical conditions with marijuana.

2015

The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act began registration and actual distribution of prescribed medical marijuana.

2022

With the Medical Cannabis Program and Registry in Minnesota, you can purchase flowers, gummies, and chews if you have a doctor’s prescription in the pharmacy

2023

Cannabis became legal for recreational use in Minnesota starting in August. Governor Tim Walz signed House File 100 in May 2023, legalizing the use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis.

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Program

What are the Qualifying Conditions to get Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card?

These medical conditions ensure that only qualified individuals can access MN medical marijuana card:-

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Autism
• Cancer associated with severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting
• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
• Intractable pain
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures/Epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Tourette Syndrome
• Terminal illness with a life expectancy of under one year

How to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?

To get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you have a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, seizures, severe pain, or other conditions approved by the state.
2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: You can schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider registered with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. This consultation can be in person or online.
3. Online Appointments: Many providers offer online appointments, making it easier and more convenient to get certified. For example, you can book an online appointment with My MMJ Doctor, where a licensed professional will assess your condition and submit your certification to the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.
4. Get Certified: If your healthcare provider confirms that you have a qualifying condition, they will submit your certification to the program.
5. Register Online: After certification, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete your registration online. You’ll need to provide your information and pay the enrollment fee, which may be reduced if you qualify for financial assistance. This step involves signing up with the Minnesota medical marijuana registry and meeting all medical marijuana MN requirements.
6. Receive Your Card: Once approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card, allowing you to purchase medical cannabis from state-approved dispensaries.
7. Visit a Cannabis Patient Center: With your card, you can visit a Cannabis Patient Center to discuss treatment options and purchase medical marijuana products. A pharmacist will guide you in choosing the right product and dosage.
8. Ongoing Certification: Your medical condition must be re-certified annually by your healthcare provider to continue using the medical marijuana program.

How to Become a Caregiver in Minnesota

Patients sometimes need help with their medical cannabis, whether it’s administering the medicine or picking it up from a dispensary. That’s where a caregiver steps in.

Who Can Be a Caregiver?

To become a designated caregiver in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Register with the program.

Spouses, Parents, and Legal Guardians If you’re a patient’s spouse, parent, or legal guardian, you can act as their caregiver without needing to complete a separate registration. When the patient enrolls online, they can add your name and contact information as their caregiver.

Required Documents Depending on your relationship to the patient, you’ll need to provide:

• Spouse: Proof of marriage.
• Parent: A copy of the patient’s birth or adoption certificate.
• Legal Guardian: A copy of legal guardianship papers.
• Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).

How to Register?

1. The patient must add you to their Medical Cannabis Registry profile.
2. You’ll receive an email with instructions to complete your caregiver registration.
3. To finish the registration, you’ll need to upload an electronic copy of your photo ID. You can either scan it or take a picture using your mobile device.

Is Recreational weed legal in Minnesota?

Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in Minnesota, but users must adhere to specific possession limits: they can legally possess up to 2 pounds of cannabis at home and up to 2 ounces in public. However, it’s important to understand that Minnesota does not recognize medical marijuana cards from other states, meaning there is no reciprocity for out-of-state patients. This can be a challenge for those visiting Minnesota who rely on medical marijuana. Despite this, the state has made it easier for residents to access cannabis legally through telemedicine services. These services allow patients to consult with healthcare providers online, receive their medical cannabis certification, and manage their cannabis needs conveniently from home.

Possession, Cultivation, and Sale

Possession for Personal Use

Legal Limits:

Up to 2 oz in public or 2 lbs in private is legal.

Penalties:

• 2-4 oz (concentrate): Petty misdemeanour, up to $300 fine.
• 4 oz – 1 lb (concentrate): Up to 90 days jail and/or $1,000 fine.
• 1-2 lbs (concentrate): Up to 1 year jail and/or $3,000 fine.
• 2-10 kg (concentrate): Up to 5 years jail and/or $10,000 fine.
• 10-25 kg (flower): Third-degree controlled substance crime.
• 25-50 kg (flower): Second-degree controlled substance crime.
• 50+ kg (flower): First-degree controlled substance crime.
• First-time offenders: May receive conditional discharge and required drug education.

Sale

Legal:

Up to 2 oz flower, 8 g concentrate, or 800 mg edible with no payment.

Penalties:

• Up to 2 oz (flower): Petty misdemeanor, up to $300 fine.
  
• Over 2 oz (flower): Up to 90 days jail and/or $1,000 fine.

Civil Penalties:

Fines are based on the amount sold, ranging from $3,000 to $100,000.

Felonies:

Sale to a minor or near a school: 15-30 years jail and fines up to $1,000,000.

Cultivation

Legal:

Penalties:

• More than 8 plants: $500 fine per plant.
• 16-23 plants: Up to 1 year jail and/or $3,000 fine.
• 23+ plants: Up to 5 years jail and/or $10,000 fine.

In What Forms Can Weed be Consumed?

In Minnesota, weed can be consumed in several forms:

1. Capsules
2. Liquid, including Oil
3. Tablets
4. Oral Sprays
5. Tinctures
6. Topicals
7. Vaporization Cartridges

Where can you use cannabis in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, people 21 and older can use cannabis on private property, like homes, if the owner allows it. You can also use it at places with an approved license or event permit, although none are available yet. Smoking or vaping cannabis is permitted outdoors in areas not restricted by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, such as parks, sidewalks, or outside restaurants and bars unless the city decides otherwise.

The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis and tobacco in indoor public places, including bars, restaurants, offices, stores, and health clinics.

Cannabis use or possession is not allowed in:

• Public or charter schools and school buses
• State correctional facilities
• Places where smoke, aerosol, or vapor could be inhaled by a minor
• Federal property (like courthouses, airports, and national parks)

Conclusion

FAQs

• Does Minnesota recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards?
  No, Minnesota does not acknowledge medical marijuana cards from other states, and there is no reciprocity for out-of-state patients.

• How can I legally access marijuana in Minnesota?
  You can legally access marijuana in Minnesota by purchasing it from a licensed dispensary. For medical marijuana, patients must obtain certification from a healthcare provider, which can be done conveniently through telemedicine services.

• Has Minnesota fully legalized cannabis? Yes, Minnesota has fully legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, but with specific laws and regulations that must be followed. Medical patients can use cannabis with no specific THC limit, while recreational users can have cannabis with up to 16.875% THC.