Minnesota is one of the most progressive states when it comes to cannabis legalization. There are three different ways in which you can legally get marijuana in the state. Medical marijuana, non-medical recreational marijuana, and hemp-derived THC edibles. Here are some of the facts about the legalization of each of these.

Medical Marijuana is Legal in Minnesota

If you live in Minnesota, you may not know that medical marijuana is legal in the state. The law was enacted in 2014, but it has been amended a few times since then.

While the original legislation permitted certain types of cannabis to treat certain conditions, the law is now much more stringent. It requires testing for microbiological contaminants and heavy metals and also requires testing for the cannabinoid profile of the medicine.

Medical marijuana can be obtained by obtaining a card from an authorized dispensary. A card allows a patient to keep a 30-day supply of non-inhalable flowers. For people on Medicaid, they are required to pay a $50 fee.

The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for overseeing the medical marijuana program. This includes creating a registry of qualified patients, evaluating the quality of life for those patients, and determining whether patients qualify for the use of medical cannabis.

Medicinal Marijuana is Legal in Lowa

If you have a chronic medical condition, then you may be eligible to access medicinal marijuana. However, the state of Iowa has restrictive laws.

To obtain a medical cannabis card, you must have a physician’s recommendation. You also must pay a $100 application fee. Once you have your medical marijuana card, you will have access to cannabis preparations and concentrates.

Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Program is one of the most restrictive programs in the country. The only products that can be purchased are tinctures, capsules, oils, topical gels, and concentrates.

There is also a cap on the THC limit for patients. Patients can receive up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. That’s significantly less than what was allowed under the previous law. Having that much THC in your system is likely to reduce the effectiveness of your medicine.

Non-Medical Recreational Smoking of Cannabis Remains Illegal in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the use of non-medical recreational cannabis is still illegal. However, some people can legally use marijuana for medical reasons. Depending on the condition, people may be able to obtain marijuana in different forms, such as edibles, pills, or liquids.

Minnesota also has a law that allows the sale of a wide variety of products containing the active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. These can include drinkables, edibles, and topicals. But the law excludes industrial hemp products, which are derived from the hemp plant.

Even though marijuana is legal in Minnesota, it is a felony to sell or buy more than four2.5 grams. Those who sell or buy less than that can be charged with a misdemeanor. First-time offenders can receive a fine of up to $200. With subsequent violations, the penalties become harsher.

Hemp-Derived THC Edibles Would be Regulated And Taxed The Same

The state of Minnesota passed a groundbreaking law last summer that allows the sale of hemp-derived THC edibles. Until now, there were no regulations or licensing requirements for these products. In fact, the only taxes paid for them were for the marijuana they contain.

Under the new law, hemp-derived THC edibles would be regulated and taxed the same as marijuana. They can be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and mainstream retail outlets. But they would also be subject to different regulations than marijuana-derived edibles.

To make sure there are no contaminants in these products, they must be tested by a third party. They can only contain 5 milligrams of THC per serving, and they can’t contain more than 50 milligrams in a package.

The law also provides for local law enforcement to enforce violations of the law as misdemeanors. If a business violates the law, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy can suspend the license.

Pre Employment Testing is Problematic in Minnesota

The legalization of marijuana in Minnesota has created additional questions about pre-employment testing. In fact, the legalization of THC has led some employers to forgo the testing of prospective employees.

The law is a bit complicated, but it does allow for the purchase of gummies and beverages containing 50 milligrams of THC. It does not, however, allow the same legalization to extend to off-hours consumption of THC products. Nevertheless, the law has prompted some cities to review their personnel policies.

Notably, the state of Minnesota did not have time to develop a comprehensive drug testing program prior to the passing of the law. As a result, the state has a plethora of untested workers.

While the law is a law, the lack of clarity has left many businesses in the dust. This has been particularly true of the many tycoons that call Minnesota home.