Measure Includes Automatic Expungement for Thousands of Minnesotans, Establishes Regulations Necessary for Adult-Use Cannabis Market
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate early Saturday passed a bill to legalize cannabis for Minnesotans over the age of 21 that sets up responsible regulations, addresses racial disparities, and expunges low-level cannabis convictions. The measure, which has already passed the House, will now be sent to the Governor to be signed into law.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the bill, authored by Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville), will set up a regulatory framework for the sale and use of cannabis and makes criminal justice reforms, including automatically expunging low-level cannabis convictions and establishing a Cannabis Expungement Board to review convictions that are not automatically expunged.
“Minnesotans support the legalization of adult-use Cannabis and to expunge low-level convictions that have harmed far too many Minnesotans – especially our communities of color,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “This bill went through virtually every Senate committee and includes amendments from both DFLers and Republicans, as well as input from local leaders, legal and health experts, and the business community. Senator Port worked with the members on both sides of the aisle as it made its way through the Senate and through the Conference Committee. They put in the time and effort to ensure this bill works for Minnesotans.”
“The prohibition on cannabis has had tremendously negative impacts on the lives of Minnesotans, especially our communities of color, and it is time for us to change course, create a system that works for adult-use cannabis, and create a regulated market for Minnesota,” said Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville). “This bill has been improved by the tremendous contributions of legislators on both sides of the aisle, members of the community, law enforcement, the business community, and many other stakeholders. With their input, we have created a bill that works for Minnesota, and now it’s time to pass this bill and have it signed into law by Governor Walz, to legalize, regulate, and expunge.”
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