Have you heard the amazing news? Recreational cannabis is now legal in Minnesota! This is a historic moment for the state, and it has created a lot of excitement.

But with new laws, there are always a lot of questions. You are probably wondering, “What are the new rules?” or “How much am I allowed to have?” and “When can I finally buy it from a store?”

This guide is here to be your complete map. We will explain the new recreational laws, from having it at home to growing your own. We will also show you why the state’s medical program is still the smartest—and for now, the only—way to legally buy cannabis. Navigating the new world of cannabis in Minnesota is simple when you have the facts, and this guide will show you the way.

What’s Legal Under Minnesota’s Recreational Law

Let’s dive into the new rules. This is the information that most people are looking for right now.

What You Can Legally Possess NOW

As of August 1, 2023, the new law is in effect. This means if you are 21 years old or older, you can legally have cannabis. The limits are different depending on where you are.

• In Public: When you are out and about, you can have up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, 8 grams of concentrate, and edibles with up to 800 milligrams of THC.
• At Home: In the privacy of your own home, you can have a lot more. The limit at home is up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower.

Home Cultivation

The new law also allows you to grow your own cannabis at home for your personal use. The rules for this are very clear.

• Plant Count: You can grow up to eight cannabis plants in your home.
• Maturity Limit: Of those eight plants, no more than four of them can be mature and flowering at the same time.
• Location: Your plants must be kept in an enclosed, locked space. They cannot be out in the open for the public to see.

When Will Recreational Dispensaries Open?

This is the most important question for many people. While you can have and grow cannabis now, you cannot legally buy it from a recreational store yet.

The licensed recreational dispensaries are not yet open. The state has created a new group called the Office of Cannabis Management. They need time to set up all the rules and give out licenses to new stores.

Most people believe that recreational sales will not begin until early 2025. This long wait is the biggest reason why the medical program is still so important.

Why a Minnesota Medical Card is a Powerful Choice

With recreational stores still a year or more away, you might be wondering what your options are. For people who want to buy legal, tested cannabis right now, getting a medical card is the smartest choice.

Let’s look at all the powerful benefits of being a part of Minnesota’s medical cannabis program.

You Can Legally Buy Cannabis TODAY

This is the biggest and best reason to get a medical card. You do not have to wait until 2025.

Minnesota’s medical dispensaries are open right now, and they are ready to serve patients. A medical card is the only way you can walk into a dispensary and legally buy cannabis in Minnesota today.

Significant Tax Savings

When the recreational stores finally open, everything you buy will have a special 10% cannabis tax. This is on top of any other state and local taxes.

But if you are a medical patient, you do not have to pay this extra 10% tax. This will save you a lot of money on every single purchase you make.

Higher Possession Limits

While the new recreational limit for having cannabis at home is very high (2 pounds), the medical program still offers great flexibility.

The medical program works on a “90-day supply” system. This is decided by a pharmacist and can give patients more freedom, especially if they need to travel within the state with their medicine.

Access for Younger Adults (18-20)

The new recreational law is very strict. It is only for adults who are 21 years old and older.

But what if you are 18, 19, or 20 and have a health condition? A medical card is the only way for young adults to legally get tested and regulated cannabis in Minnesota.

How to Get Your Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card

Are you thinking that a medical card is the right path for you? The great news is that the process to get one in Minnesota is very simple.

Have a Qualifying Medical Condition

First, you need to have a medical condition that is on the state’s approved list. Some of the most common conditions are severe or chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, seizures, and sleep apnea.

The good news is that the list is very broad. A healthcare provider can even certify you for a condition that is not on the list if they believe cannabis can help you.

Consult with a Certified Healthcare Practitioner

Next, you need to talk with a healthcare practitioner. This can be a doctor, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse. They must be certified by the state to recommend cannabis.

This step is now incredibly simple thanks to telehealth. Expert services like HealifyNow connect you with a certified Minnesota practitioner online, so you can get your evaluation and certification quickly from the comfort of your home.

Enroll in the Medical Cannabis Registry

After your practitioner certifies your condition, you are almost done. You will get an email from the Minnesota Department of Health.

This email will have a link for you to go online and complete your enrollment. Once you do that, you are officially part of the program.

A Quick Note: Want to get your medical card approval online in just minutes? You can get your medical card approved quickly at HealifyNowMMJCards! Experience hassle-free access to the care you need. You can begin your application now!

Important Rules for Everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Whether you are a medical patient or a recreational user, there are some very important rules to know to stay safe.

First, you cannot smoke or vape cannabis in most public places. This includes indoor public areas, on buses or trains, and anywhere that smoking is already not allowed.

Also, it is always illegal to drive a car while under the influence of cannabis. A cannabis DUI is a very serious offense.

Minnesota’s dispensaries offer a wide range of lab-tested products. To make the best choices for your health and wellness goals, learning about cannabis strains and their effects can help you have a more informed dispensary visit.

Finally, if you are a medical patient, you must renew your certification with a healthcare practitioner every year. This keeps you active in the program. This is a key regulation for medical cannabis in Minnesota.

Keeping your certification active is simple. Many modern providers offer a convenient patient portal to manage your account and schedule your annual renewal appointment.

Conclusion

We have covered a lot today. The most important thing to remember is that while recreational cannabis is now legal to have, the medical program is the only way to buy it from a store for now.

The medical program will also continue to offer powerful benefits, like big tax savings.Whether you choose the medical path now or wait for recreational sales, we hope this guide helps you safely and wisely navigate the new world of cannabis in Minnesota.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.