Select retailers have begun selling cannabis products to adults, more than two years after lawmakers passed legislation regulating the adult-use marijuana market.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the first state-licensed, non-tribal operators opened their doors to those 21 and older. The initial licensees are existing medical cannabis operators.
According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Office of Cannabis Management, “Minnesotans living near 13 of the 16 existing medical cannabis dispensaries in Minnesota now have access to adult-use products.”
Since June 18, the state has issued 37 retail cannabis business licenses, according to the Office.
“We’ve known for too long that prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn’t worked. By legalizing adult-use cannabis, we’re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe,” Democratic Governor Tim Walz said when he signed the state’s adult-use marijuana bill into law. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging or re-sentencing cannabis convictions will strengthen communities. This is the right move for Minnesota.”
Minnesota is the 23rd state to launch state-licensed adult-use cannabis sales. (Virginia has enacted legislation legalizing cannabis use and home cultivation, but several bills regulating adult-use retail sales have been vetoed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.)
“More than half of the US population now resides in jurisdictions where marijuana sales are legal and regulated,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “This allows consumers to obtain lab-tested products of known quality while also directing financial revenues from these transactions back into the local community rather than to the illicit marketplace.”
In August, Delaware became the 22nd state to initiate licensed retail cannabis sales to adults.
Additional information is available from Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management.