New Cannabis Legislation Proposed for 2025 Session

<p>Minnesota legislators have introduced several cannabis-related bills for the 2025 legislative session, focusing on expanding consumer rights and reducing penalties for minor violations.</p>

<p>House File 1234, sponsored by Rep. Maria Garcia (DFL-Minneapolis), would increase the home growing limit from 8 plants to 12 plants per household. The bill also includes provisions for community gardens and cooperative growing arrangements.</p>

<h2>Proposed Changes</h2> <ul> <li>Increase home growing limit to 12 plants per household</li> <li>Reduce penalties for possession over legal limits</li> <li>Expand expungement eligibility for past cannabis convictions</li> <li>Create social equity grants for minority-owned cannabis businesses</li> </ul>

<p>The bills are expected to receive hearings in the House Commerce and Senate Judiciary committees in February 2025.</p>

<h2>Social Equity Provisions</h2> <p>A key component of the proposed legislation includes $25 million in grants for social equity applicants, with priority given to individuals from communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement.</p>

<p>"These bills represent the next step in building a fair and equitable cannabis industry in Minnesota," said Sen. John Martinez (DFL-St. Paul), a co-sponsor of the legislation.</p>