Cannabis
Recreational cannabis use is legal for people 21 and older
Minnesota was the 23rd state in the nation to legalize recreational cannabis use for people 21 and older.
State law
On Aug. 1, 2023, adult use of cannabis became legal in Minnesota. This law legalizes and decriminalizes adult-use cannabis, expunges prior convictions, and establishes a statewide regulatory framework for the new industry.
- The legislation allows people age 21 and older to possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, 8 grams of concentrate and 800 milligrams of edible product (including lower-potency hemp-derived product). An adult may also possess up to two pounds of cannabis flower in a private residence.
- People age 21 and older can grow up to eight cannabis plants, with no more than four being mature.
- Minnesota will continue to allow the sale of certain certified hemp and edibles to adults 21 years and older. Learn more about Statute 151.72.
Ramsey County ordinances
Ramsey County’s Smoking and Commercial Tobacco Use ordinance prohibits the smoking of cannabis at any Ramsey County property, including regional parks, libraries, service centers, and Union Depot. For more information, access all Ramsey County ordinances. If you have additional questions, contact us at [email protected].
Residents
Things to know
- Cannabis can be used by people 21 and older on private property, private residences and places with approved licenses or an event permit.
- Cannabis cannot be used when operating a motor vehicle.
- Smoking cannabis is prohibited anywhere smoking commercial tobacco is prohibited.
- Smoking or vaping adult-use cannabis products is prohibited in a multifamily housing building.
- Ramsey County Smoking and Commercial Tobacco Use Ordinance.
Effects of cannabis use
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health provides information about the effects of cannabis use.
Past cannabis-related offenses
The Adult-Use Cannabis Act eliminates certain cannabis-related offenses and requires automatic removal of certain cannabis-related criminal records from records held by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Cannabis-related records that qualified for automatic expungement were removed from the BCA's Criminal History System in May 2024. The BCA will review records in the system again in 2025 to identify and expunge any additional records that were still in the court process in 2024.
Felony-level offenses
Eligible felony-level cannabis-related convictions will be reviewed by the Cannabis Expungement Board to determine if they meet criteria in the new state law. Information on efforts to create the new Cannabis Expungement Board, its timeline and a point of contact for inquiries about board activities are available on the Cannabis Expungement Board website.
Businesses
Licensing
Applying for a cannabis business license? Visit the State of Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management website for more information.
Zoning and registration
For information about cannabis-related zoning ordinances or about registering a licensed cannabis business, contact the city where the business will be located.
- Arden Hills
- Blaine
- Falcon Heights
- Gem Lake
- Lauderdale
- Little Canada
- Maplewood
- Mounds View
- New Brighton
- North Oaks
- North Saint Paul
- Roseville
- Saint Anthony
- Saint Paul
- Shoreview
- Spring Lake Park
- Vadnais Heights
- White Bear Lake
- White Bear Township
Questions for Ramsey County? Contact us at [email protected].
Local Governments
The following sites provide information on cannabis implementation for local governments:
- The State of Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management website with specific information for local governments.
- The League of Minnesota Cities: Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know.
- The Association for Minnesota Counties guidance for counties.
Public Health Law Center
The Public Health Law Center created model ordinances and other resources for local jurisdictions looking for guidance on the new cannabis law. These resources are for educational purposes only; they should not be considered a replacement for legal advice.
- Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles & Cannabis - Minnesota County Retailer Model Ordinance
- Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles & Cannabis - Minnesota City Retailer Model Ordinance
- Regulating Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retail Sales: A model for cities and counties
- Minnesota Findings for Local Regulation of Cannabis
- Minnesota Regulation of Legalized Cannabis: FAQ Public Health options (updated 09/2024)
- Minnesota's New Cannabis Law: Maximizing local authority to protect public health (updated 08/2024)
If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].