Legal Pot Sneaks Into Minnesota
Do you want to experience a legal high from Delta-9 THC? Do you want to do it in Minnesota? Are you 21 years of age or older?
If so, as of today (July 1, 2022) you absolutely can. A bill passed through the Minnesota legislature last session legalized edible THC gummies and put a cap on THC dosage at 5 mg per serving.
To put that in perspective, the edible gummies for purchase in states where all forms of recreational marijuana are legal average about 10 mg per serving. So, some may say that Minnesota just legalized the equivilant of 3.2 beer . . . . but it's a start.
Many of our clients are charged with the crime of driving under the influence of THC, which is a weird catagory that stands alone under Minnesota's DWI laws. The fact that THC just became more accessible, alongside the fact that the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) itself concluded that marijuana use doesn't increase the amount of traffic accidents (yes, you read that right!) means that while we may see more DWI arrests, there should not be many more convictions.
Now, there is a big catch -- the THC needs to come from hemp. Which . . . is a lot like wringing juice from a turnip. You can do it, but it's not easy.
With Minnesota's first taste of legal recreational marijuan, will we see what other states have seen -- fewer impaired driving incidents, less reliance on opiods and other highly-addictive drugs, and less racially-motivated arrests?
We'll find out. In the meantime, enjoy your Fourth of July!