Minnesota Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Minnesota is set to become the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana after the state Senate approved legislation allowing adults over 21 to carry up to 2 ounces of marijuana in public and possess up to 2 pounds at home. The bill also includes automatic expungement of low-level cannabis convictions and a board to consider expunging and resentencing felony cannabis convictions. Governor Tim Walz is expected to sign the legislation, but it may take months or even years to complete the process of expunging tens of thousands of cannabis convictions. There may also not be licensed dispensaries for up to 18 months as a new state agency sets up the legal market.