Minnesota Cannabis Laws
Minnesota's HF 100 legalized recreational cannabis in May 2023, making it the 23rd legal state. However, the retail rollout is gradual:
What's legal now (21+):
Possess up to 2 ounces in public, 2 pounds at home
Grow up to 8 plants (4 mature) at home in an enclosed, locked space
Gift up to 2 ounces to another adult
Consume in private residences
Retail sales: Licensed dispensaries are expected to open throughout 2025, with the Office of Cannabis Management overseeing licensing. Lower-potency edibles and beverages (derived from hemp) have been legally sold since 2022.
Hemp-derived THC (the loophole): In 2022, Minnesota accidentally (then intentionally) legalized hemp-derived THC products. This means THC gummies, beverages, and edibles are already widely available at liquor stores, convenience stores, and specialty shops — no dispensary needed. These products contain 5mg THC per serving (max 50mg per package).
Public consumption: Prohibited — civil fine for violations.
The timeline: Full dispensary retail is still rolling out. Check OFFMAP for current licensed locations.
Hemp-Derived THC: Minnesota's Secret Weapon
While waiting for dispensaries, Minnesota's hemp-derived THC market is thriving and LEGALLY available to tourists:
What's available:
THC gummies, chocolates, and candies (5mg per piece, max 50mg per package)
THC seltzers and beverages (5mg per serving)
THC tinctures and oils
These are sold at liquor stores, gas stations, specialty shops, and online
Popular brands:
Minny Grown — Minnesota-based, wide variety of gummies and beverages
Northland Vapor — popular edible line
Wana — national brand with Minnesota distribution
CANN — THC-infused social tonics
Where to find them:
Nearly every liquor store in the Twin Cities carries THC products
Total Wine, Surdyk's, and Haskell's have curated selections
Specialty CBD/hemp shops have the widest variety
Many bars and restaurants serve THC beverages
For tourists, this is the move: You can legally purchase THC edibles and beverages throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul right now, without visiting a dispensary. The 5mg per serving dosing is actually perfect for newcomers.
Quality and safety: These products are regulated under Minnesota's hemp program, with lab testing requirements. They're generally reliable and accurately dosed.
Minneapolis & St. Paul
Minneapolis:
Uptown (Lake Street/Hennepin) — counterculture neighborhood with CBD/hemp shops and cannabis-friendly bars. THC beverages are common at Uptown establishments
Northeast (NE) — arts district with breweries, galleries, and cannabis culture. NE bars frequently carry THC seltzers
North Loop — trendy warehouse district with restaurants, bars, and hemp shops
Dinkytown / University — college area (U of M) with affordable hemp-THC options
St. Paul:
Grand Avenue — charming main street with shops carrying THC products
Summit Avenue — scenic boulevard, great for edible-enhanced walks past the F. Scott Fitzgerald house and Governor's Mansion
West 7th — neighborhood bar scene with THC beverage options
Cannabis-friendly dining: Multiple Twin Cities restaurants now offer THC beverage pairings or mocktail menus featuring THC-infused drinks. This is a unique Minnesota experience not available in most states.
The culture: Minnesotans are friendly but reserved ("Minnesota Nice"). Cannabis culture exists but is less visible than in Oregon or Colorado. The scene is social, centered around food, drinks, and private gatherings rather than public consumption.
Practical Tips
Winter reality: Minnesota winters are BRUTAL. January averages -5°F (-20°C). If visiting November-March, plan for indoor consumption exclusively. THC beverages at a warm bar or restaurant are the winter move.
Summer: June-August is gorgeous — 80°F, long days, lakes everywhere. Minnesota has 10,000+ lakes and cannabis by the lake is a quintessential summer experience (private property only, legally).
Airport (MSP): Minneapolis-St. Paul International. Hemp-derived THC products are legal to fly with (they're technically hemp, not marijuana). Standard cannabis flower, once dispensaries open, follows the same federal aviation rules as other states.
Wisconsin border: The Twin Cities metro extends into Wisconsin, where cannabis is ILLEGAL. Don't carry across the St. Croix River.
Lakes and outdoors: Minnesota's state parks and forests prohibit cannabis consumption. However, the thousands of private cabins and vacation rentals on Minnesota lakes are perfect. Rent a cabin, bring THC products, and enjoy lake life.
State Fair: The Minnesota State Fair (August-September) is the largest in the US by daily attendance. THC vendors have been present since the hemp-THC legalization. Cannabis culture meets corn dogs and deep-fried everything.
Dispensary timeline: Follow the Office of Cannabis Management (mn.gov/ocm) for retail opening updates. Expect a gradual rollout through 2025.
Author
Nyke Perényi
Head of Marketing, Weed.de
Nyke Perényi is Head of Marketing at Weed.de, overseeing strategic positioning and the brand's online and offline marketing. She develops creative campaigns, builds partnerships, and strengthens presence across digital and traditional media. She has been dedicated to cannabis education and destigmatization for years. In her spare time, she's active on Instagram and YouTube and is the creator of the cannabis card game Green Deal.
Published January 30, 2025 · 8 min read
