The Land of 10,000 Lakes is now the land of legal cannabis, and PufCreativ is stoked! Minnesota recently became the 23rd state to legalize recreational-use cannabis, and we can’t wait to see how the market grows. At PufCreativ, we’re here to help Minnesota build a booming business and curate a cannabis culture of your own. In this blog, we’ll cover what exactly makes us so excited about cannabis marketing in Minnesota.
The Basics of Minnesota’s Cannabis Laws
Before we get into the exciting stuff, let’s cover the basics of Minnesota’s cannabis laws. Here are the specific parameters for those 21 and older:
- Use, possess, or transport cannabis paraphernalia.
- Possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in public.
- Possess up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower in a person’s private residence.
- Possess or transport up to 8 grams of adult-use concentrate.
- Possess or transport edible cannabis products or lower-potency hemp edibles infused with a combined 800 milligrams or less of THC.
- Give away cannabis flower and products to a person 21 or older in an amount legal for a person to possess in public.
- Possess up to eight cannabis plants, with no more than four being mature, flowering plants may be grown at a single residence as long as it is at the primary residence of someone 21 or older.
- Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space not open for public view.
Cannabis can be consumed on private property with a consenting owner and in locations with approved licenses or event permits. Cannabis can never be consumed while operating heavy machinery or driving.
Location, Location, Location
Minnesota sits at the top of the midwest, giving it an aerial view of neighboring states who have also legalized recreational cannabis, including Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and Montana on the other side of the Dakotas.
Now, with the recent legalization of cannabis within its own borders, Minnesota has become more than an observer – it has become an active participant in the evolving landscape of cannabis acceptance.
By embracing this transformation, Minnesota effectively bridges the divide between those states that have embraced adult-use cannabis programs and those that have maintained a more conservative stance. As the domino effect of legalization cascades through the nation, Minnesota’s decision to legalize is a pivotal link that brings a sense of continuity to the growing map of legal cannabis states.
With Minnesota legalizing cannabis, it fills in the gap between legalized states and states without adult-use cannabis programs like Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Minnesota’s move demonstrates a departure from traditional norms, challenging the conventional narratives and encouraging its neighboring states to reconsider their own positions on cannabis.
As Minnesota steps into this era of legalization, it carries with it the potential to shape discussions, policies, and public perceptions within its own borders and across the region. The state’s observations of its neighbors’ experiences provide valuable insights into the real-world consequences of cannabis reform, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions based on tangible evidence rather than hypothetical scenarios.
By traversing the path less traveled, Minnesota assumes a leadership role, fostering a climate of open dialogue and shared experiences that could, over time, influence even the most reluctant states to reevaluate their stance on recreational cannabis.
Minnesota’s Social Equity Programs
As Minnesota is on the precipice of a major economic uptick, a new program has been developed to re-invest a portion of cannabis taxes in communities most affected by cannabis prohibition and The War on Drugs. The “CanRenew” Program will use a portion of tax revenue for grants to nonprofits, local governments, and groups dedicated to improving health outcomes, violence prevention, and economic development.
Data from the ACLU found that Black Minnesotans are five times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than white Minnesotans, despite similar usage rates. To attempt to right this wrong, low-level cannabis will be automatically expunged, which will directly affect tens of thousands of Minnesotans. A new board will decide if certain cannabis-related felonies should also be expunged.
Additionally, to ensure that the market is not inundated and controlled by privileged entrepreneurs, the state will issue social equity business licenses. The community in which the business is located will need to qualify by having eligible members of the business or community, including someone convicted of cannabis offense, veterans, Minnesotans from high-poverty areas, or “emerging farmers.”
As cannabis professionals, we must implement social equity in our work to advocate for BlPOC and poor communities. By prioritizing social equity, cannabis laws can rectify past harms and pave the way for a fair, inclusive, and just industry that uplifts all segments of society. We are so excited that Minnesota is taking the appropriate steps toward lifting up marginalized communities, and we want to get on board.
PufCreativ: Taking Your Cannabis Business To New Heights
PufCreativ is a versatile creative marketing agency exclusively working with cannabis businesses like dispensaries, cultivators, and related accessories. Our team understands the ins and outs of running a cannabis business, and we’re here to help you maximize your potential.
We provide top-notch marketing and brand development for various clients, whether B2B, B2C, or MSOs. Our services include logo and packaging design, web development, social media campaigns, writing, PR, and more. We make sure your business’s unique voice shines through all our work. Trust our skilled creative team to handle your marketing strategy from start to finish.
Are you a budding cannabis business in Minnesota? Contact us today! We can’t wait to be a part of your journey.
