Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 09, 2018
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Laws surrounding the cultivation, possession, and sale of marijuana underwent radical change beginning in 1996, when California voters approved the medical use of the herb for those with a valid doctor's recommendation. Since then, other states have either legalized medical marijuana, decriminalized the drug, or even legalized it outright. Minnesota has decriminalized possession to a degree, imposing a $200 fine for possession of up to 42.5 grams, while medical marijuana legislation was signed into law in 2014.
Possession of more than 42.5 grams of the drug is charged as a felony, with a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The most severe penalty is reserved for those convicted of selling more than 50 kg. of marijuana, with a possible 30-year prison sentence and $500,000 fine.
Additional details of Minnesota's marijuana laws can be found in the following chart. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more articles, including Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation.
| Code Section | Minnesota Health Statutes 152.01, et seq. |
| Possession | Less than 42.5 grams: petty misdemeanor ($200 and possible drug education program); 42.5 grams - 10 kilograms: felony (up to 5 yrs. and $5,000); 10 - 50 kilograms: felony (up to 20 yrs. and/or $250,000); 50 - 100 kilograms: felony (up to 25 yrs. and/or $500,000); 100+ kilograms: felony (up to 30 yrs. and/or $1,000,000); Subsequent offense: depends on level of prior offense; if misdemeanor, may be required to participate in chemical dependency evaluation and treatment; more than 1.4 grams inside one's vehicle, except for the trunk: misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine). |
| Sale | Less than 42.5 grams without remuneration: petty misdemeanor with fine of up to $200; 42.5 grams - 5 kilograms: up to 5 yrs. and/or $10,000; 5 - 25 kilograms: up to 20 yrs. and/or $250,000; 25 - 50 kilograms: up to 25 yrs. and/or $500,000; more than 50 kilograms: up to 30 yrs. and/or $1,000,000; 5 kilograms or more in school or park or public housing zone: up to 25 yrs. and/or $500,000 |
| Trafficking | - |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
It can be difficult to keep up with the evolving marijuana laws in Minnesota. If you are facing drug charges involving marijuana, then you should consult with a defense attorney who can assess your options and put up a solid defense on your behalf. Don't delay; find an experienced drug crimes defense attorney near you today.
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