Minneapolis To Take 'Permissive' Approach On Cannabis: Mayor

MINNEAPOLIS – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city will take a "permissive" approach when it comes to businesses selling cannabis products.

The announcement came Tuesday when recreational cannabis became legal across Minnesota.

"I’ve always said we need to have a system in place where recreational cannabis use is thoughtful, responsible, regulated, and legalized – and that’s where we're now headed," Frey said.

"Today is a day to celebrate both legalization and decriminalization, and I’m grateful to our Minnesota legislators and advocates who made this happen. Now the work begins at the city level, and I look forward to seeing the first Minneapolis dispensaries come online as soon as early 2025."

Frey's office promised the city will welcome and support "a wide array" of local small business and retail owners selling cannabis and will avoid "unnecessary criminalization or restrictions."

As of Tuesday, Minnesotans 21 and older can grow and possess certain amounts of marijuana. However, the state is not yet providing licenses for commercial dispensaries, and stores cannot sell recreational cannabis without one. The only exception is the tribal nations.

Under the state cannabis law, Minneapolis and other cities can craft their own regulations for when and where cannabis can be consumed. Minneapolis officials are evaluating different regulations and plan to bring forward recommendations in 2024.