Minnesota Marijuana Policy
Minnesota is a little known area in the world of marijuana. From reading the marijuana laws in Minnesota, it looks like there is a distinction between if marijuana is stored in the trunk of a vehicle or elsewhere in the vehicle. That’s a crafty law, because the search and seizure procedures differ whether something is in the trunk of a vehicle. It suggests that there is some case law that goes behind the marijuana penalties in Minnesota. If there’s any TWB readers that have any insight, please post it in the comments section below so that others can benefit from your knowledge. Below are the current Minnesota marijuana laws, courtesy of Minnesota NORML:
Decriminalized? — Kind of. Possession of less than 42.5 grams is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $200, and drug treatment. After the completion of drug treatment, all charges are dropped. Contrast that with Oregon, a truly decriminalized state, where you simply pay a fine and no other penalty.
Possession of 1.4 grams or less in a vehicle (except in the trunk), is a misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Possession of 42.5 grams to 10 kg is a felony, punishable by 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Possession of 10 to 50 kg is a felony, punishable by 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Possession of 50 to 100 kg is a felony, punishable by 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Possession of 100 kg or more is a felony, punishable by 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
First time possession offenders may be eligible for conditional discharge, it’s up to the judge.
Distributing 42.5 grams or less without payment is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $200, and drug treatment. After the completion of drug treatment, all charges are dropped.
Distribution of 42.5 grams to 5 kg is a felony, punishable by 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Distribution of 5 to 25 kg is a felony, punishable by 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Distribution of 25 to 50 kg is a felony, punishable by 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Distribution of 50 kg or more is a felony, punishable by 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Importing 50 kg or more from outside of the state is a felony, punishable by 35 years in prison and a $1,250,000 fine.
Distributing any amount to a minor is a felony, punishable by 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, in addition to related charges.
Distributing any amount within a school zone or other specified area is a felony, punishable by 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
If the offense occurs while driving, the offender’s license can be revoked for 30 days.
Medical Program? — No.
Want to help reform marijuana laws in Minnesota? Below are some great places to start with, via our Minnesota activism page:
Minnesota Marijuana Policy Project
https://www.mpp.org/states/minnesota/
Minnesota Americans for Safe Access
https://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=248
Minnesota Norml
https://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4545&wtm_view=chapter
Minnesota Students for Sensible Drug Policy
https://ssdp.org/chapters/midwest/minnesota
