In the last several years, states across the nation have pushed to legalize Marijuana for recreational use. Some have done so, and others like Minnesota have decriminalized marijuana possession in small quantities. This post will examine how much marijuana a person may possession and still be subject to decriminalization penalties, and what may happen if they possess more than that threshold. Readers should not rely on this post as legal advice and can talk to their local criminal defense attorneys for marijuana and other drug crime defense concerns.

Understanding decriminalization

Decriminalization is an important term when it comes to marijuana. Prior to recent history, a person who possessed any amount of marijuana may have been arrested on a serious drug charge in Minnesota. Now, a Stillwater resident may only face a petty misdemeanor if they are in possession of less than 42.5 Grams of marijuana. The fine for this petty misdemeanor is $200.

Higher consequences for greater amounts of marijuana

Once a person possesses more than 42.5 grams of marijuana, however, their legal charges may become more severe if they are arrested on possession charges. Possessing more than 42.5 grams of marijuana is a felony with hefty penalties attached.

For example, possession between the amounts of 42.5 grams and 10 grams of marijuana can be punished with up to a 5-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Possession in excess of 10 grams may result in a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years and fines in excess of $250,000. As readers can see, the greater the amount of marijuana involved, the more serious the penalties associated with their marijuana possession charge.

Source: https://www.tholelaw.com/blog/2021/07/is-marijuana-legal-in-minnesota/