What’s all rolled up into the final Minnesota recreational marijuana bill? – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

ST. PAUL, Minn. – DFL lawmakers came to a cannabis compromise at the Minnesota Capitol Tuesday, merging the House and Senate bills on legalizing recreational marijuana into one.

So what’s all rolled up in the final legislation? WCCO News’ Reg Chapman talked to the House bill’s co-author – Rep. Zach Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids – to answer some of your biggest questions.

MORE: Minnesota Legislature reaches deal on legalized recreational cannabis, vote likely in final days of session

“This bill has gone through such an extensive public process. Thirty-one hearings between the House and the Senate just this year, not to mention people traveling around the state talking to folks about this,” Stephenson said.

But now that cannabis smokers will get the go-ahead to light up recreationally, there are some questions. Some want to know when can you buy it? Stephenson says that’s still a ways off.

“Because we have to set up the agency that’s gonna regulate this. They’ve got to come up with their rules and create the licenses and issue the licenses, so that is probably 12 to 18 months away,” he said. “On August 1 of this year, it will no longer be a crime to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis when you’re out and about, and up to 2 pounds in your home.”  

If you were convicted of a low-level cannabis offense, the new law will help clear your record.

“The BCA…