Advice on How to Use Marijuana Legally in Minnesota
Minnesota borders Canada, making it easy for Americans and Canadians to cross into the other country (as long as they don’t mind dealing with the customs officers).
But when you’re in the North Star State consuming cannabis, you must be cautious about how you use and transport your weed.
The Minnesota government legalized medical marijuana in 2014. More recently, recreational cannabis edibles were added to this list, with restrictions of 5 mg of hemp-derived THC.
However, although weed is decriminalized, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely legal. If you plan on using cannabis in Minnesota, here are a few words of advice to know.
1. Get Your MMJ Card
Minnesota’s status on medical marijuana only applies if you have an MMJ license. The original regulations did not include smoking marijuana leaves, but now, you can choose joints, vaping, pills, and oils. Recent changes brought in approved infused gummies and chews.
To obtain an MMJ license, you must meet one or more of the qualifying medical conditions. These vary by state, and Minnesota uses the Medical Cannabis Review Panel to determine the approval and rejection of petitions for proposed additions to the qualifying medical conditions. So, if your condition isn’t on the list yet, keep checking back or submit a petition yourself.
Right now, you may qualify for an MMJ license if you have documented evidence of any of these conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism spectrum disorder (must meet DSM-5)
- Certain types of cancer
- Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
- Chronic pain
- Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Intractable pain (recently added)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms
- Sickle cell disease
- Terminal illness (defined by illnesses with a life expectancy of less than one year)
- Tourette syndrome
Speaking of changes on the horizon, two new conditions that will qualify as of August 1, 2023, are irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Before you can participate in the Minnesota medical cannabis program, you must join a patient registry. Licensed dispensaries use this registry to verify that you can buy your medicinal weed legally.
2. Know the Laws About Your Location
Having an MMJ license is helpful, but there are some places where you can’t bring marijuana, whether it’s prescribed or recreational. Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse, so it’s crucial that you learn Minnesota’s specific rules.
To begin with, if you’re registered in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis program, you can only use your stash within state lines and on private property. You can’t smoke or vape marijuana in a public place if there’s a “no smoking” rule. This includes commercial tobacco and weed.
Some states allow MMJ patients to grow cannabis plants for personal consumption. Minnesota isn’t one of these states yet. Always buy your cannabis from a licensed dispensary to ensure you’re staying within the legal guidelines.
Finally, keep in mind that you can’t use or carry your cannabis, even if it’s medical, in certain places, including:
- On school property (grounds, buses, vans, etc.)
- In correctional facilities
- At a child-care facility or home daycare
- On any federal ground (courthouses, airports, post offices, national parks, etc.)
Pay attention to the signs that prohibit smoking, and follow them with your vape and joint use. In general, don’t light up in any public place, on public transportation, or in an indoor or outdoor area open to the public.
A vital rule to abide by is never to vape or smoke cannabis anywhere a child could inhale the fumes, even if it’s in your home.
3. Marijuana and Driving Don’t Mix
By now, you’ve driven past countless cars where the occupants are obviously lighting up. The odor is unmistakable.
Yet, driving under the influence of weed is illegal in all 50 states. And in many of these areas, it’s illegal to have cannabis in the vehicle if it’s within reach of the driver.
If you’ve been using medical or recreational marijuana, treat it like alcohol because the law does. If you’re pulled over, you could go to jail for DUI.
Never drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery when using weed. It’s not safe for you or those around you. And if you’re crossing the border into Canada, it’s a very wise idea to leave your cannabis at home.
Conclusion – How to Use Marijuana Legally in Minnesota
Minnesota may have legalized marijuana, but there are serious restrictions about where you can use it. Get your MMJ card, buy from a licensed dispensary, and use yours at home safely (and not around children). As long as you’re following the rules, you can enjoy the benefit of cannabis until your stash runs out!
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Advice on How to Use Marijuana Legally in Minnesota