HF927 Summary

• Legalizes marijuana possession and consumption for persons 21 years of age and older, with a limit of one ounce of marijuana or six plants (three mature flowering plants maximum) for personal use without remuneration.

• Establishes regulatory framework under Minnesota Department of Health for marijuana cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, testing facilities, and retail stores, with Commissioner of Health adopting rules by July 1, 2019 and licensing beginning October 1, 2019.

• Maintains prohibitions on selling marijuana to persons under 21, driving under the influence of marijuana, consuming marijuana in motor vehicles, and allows employers and property owners to restrict marijuana use in their workplaces and properties.

• Requires Commissioner of Revenue to propose marijuana tax legislation by January 1, 2019 at a rate not exceeding 15 percent prior to January 1, 2021, and Commissioner of Health to submit fee schedule by January 1, 2019 with maximum fees of $5,000 unless higher amounts justified.

• Preserves existing medical cannabis program privileges and allows local governments to regulate or prohibit marijuana establishment operations within their jurisdictions while prioritizing licensing for medical cannabis manufacturers with compliance history.