Gov. Walz Says Tribal Governments Could Light Up Minnesota's Cannabis Industry Ahead Of Schedule

Governor Tim Walz (D) suggested that legal cannabis sales in Minnesota could get underway sooner than expected. Why?

Walz indicated that it might be possible for tribal governments to begin sales earlier, he said in a recent interview with Fox 9. 

"My hope is to see them thrive in this industry," Walz said.

On May 30, the governor signed a marijuana legalization bill into law, as Minnesota became the 23rd state in the nation to legalize adult-use marijuana. Starting August 1, adults over 21 can legally use and cultivate cannabis, possess up to two pounds at home and two ounces anywhere else. The Office of Cannabis Management will regulate all issues related to the new market. The first cannabis retail license is expected to be available in January 2025.

The projected gap between the start of legal sales and cultivation, made many people wonder how to obtain legal seeds for cultivation. Now, it turns out the gap could be filled on tribal lands. Walz toured a facility at White Earth Nation and described it as a world-class operation, reported the outlet.

Against Cannabis, But Worried About Illegal Markets

Walz confirmed that he doesn’t support cannabis use, raising his two kids to avoid trying it, but he believes in the importance of dealing with the illegal market, a sentiment that tribal governments also share.

"The issue here is we get some regulation over it," Walz said. "I'm deeply concerned about this stuff that's coming off the streets that's laced with fentanyl or xylazine or whatever it might be."

In addition to signing marijuana legalization last week, Walz also signed Senate File 2934, the Human Services budget proposal, which includes a section mandating the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to “establish safe recovery sites that offer harm reduction services and supplies, including but not limited to safe injection spaces.” The move makes Minnesota the second state to formally allow overdose prevention centers as a way of dealing with a deadly opioid epidemic.

Walz also confirmed he will be endorsing Joe Biden for president in 2024. 

Photo: Benzinga edit with images on Wikimedia Commons and Kym MacKinnon on Unsplash