Marijuana Seeds Available for Sale Today in Minnesota

Along with legalizing marijuana, the new Minnesota law allows residents to grow their own plants

Photo byKimzy NanneyonUnsplash

Minnesota will become the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana on Tuesday. One of the first parts of the law that will take effect is allowing Minnesota residents to grow up to eight plants in their homes. The seeds that they will need to grow their own plants will be on sale starting today, August 1st.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will regulate weed seeds like they would any other by enforcing labeling and testing requirements under the state's seed law.

"Our seed program is really about truth in labeling and consumer protection so that the consumer knows what they are getting," said Michael Merriman, seed regulatory supervisor at the agency. "You read that label and you should know exactly what to expect from that label—how much seed is in this package, what kind is it? Is it lettuce, asparagus, cannabis?"

Minnesota Democrats have been pushing for legalized adult-use recreational marijuana for several years. They were finally able to pass it in the last legislative session because they controlled the state House, Senate, and governor’s office.

“A lot of Minnesotans have wanted this for a very long time,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, who shepherded through the final bill.

“You can have up to two ounces of cannabis wherever you are and up to two pounds in your own personal home,” Stephenson explained about the part of the law that takes effect Tuesday. “You can also grow cannabis at home up to eight plants, four of which can be flowering at any time.”

But even though growing, possessing, and using weed will be legal for people 21 and older on August 1st, you still won’t be able to buy marijuana from a licensed dealer in most of the state. It will likely be more than a year before dispensaries begin opening. Democrats say they framed their bill that way so regulators would have enough time to develop rules for recreational marijuana sales.

Critics say allowing possession of so much marijuana without also allowing its sale will be a boon for unlawful and unregulated black market sellers.

James Stuart is executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association and a retired Anoka County Sheriff.

With three decades of law enforcement experience, Stuart is convinced that sophisticated grow operations, even following the state law eight plant limit, could easily produce massive volumes of marijuana.

“We anticipate increased crash rates, hospital visits, increased youth usage, and accidental ingestion, as well as a dramatic increase in black market activity,” Stuart said. “One plant could probably provide enough marijuana for a mobile home park.”

“There’s a very credible argument to what the sheriff is saying,” said Rep. Nolan West of Blaine, one of only five Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature who voted to legalize recreational marijuana.

West said he thinks the lag time between legal possession and legal sales will boost the black market. But over time, he said he thinks cannabis sales will shift to regulated retail establishments.

“Ending marijuana prohibition was definitely the right policy to go with,” West said.

Retailers have already been legally selling hemp-derived THC edibles and beverages in Minnesota for more than a year. The new law requires them to register with the state and sell only to adults. It also allows liquor stores to sell those products.

Whether you agree or disagree with the new law, Stuart advised adults to use all of the attention around the law change to talk to young people about why using drugs is not a good idea.

“Have clear conversations of expectations with any youth that’s important to you, whether it’s your kid, your grandkid, or the neighbor’s kids,” Stuart said. “Help them to understand what you think is appropriate and acceptable because, contrary to popular belief, they are listening.