Minnesota Senate Passes Recreational Marijuana Bill, Awaits Governor's Signature

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis, which now awaits Governor Walz's signature. The law will take effect in August, and related misdemeanors will be expunged. Minnesotans must be 21 to buy marijuana, and there will be a 10% sales tax. While it will take time to set up dispensaries, Minnesotans will be able to possess and even home-grow a certain amount of the plant. Republicans raised concerns about exacerbating drug and behavioral health crises, but Democrats emphasized the bill's extensive measures for safety, education, and prevention.