Cannabis & Noncitizens

New MN Cannabis Law and Noncitizens

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, Minnesota's decriminalization will allow the possession, use, and home grow of cannabis in Minnesota for people 21 and older. See CHAPTER 63--H.F.No. 100.

However, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, where it is still classified as a controlled substance.

Noncitizen persons who admit to using, who benefit financially, selling, manufacturing or investing in the industry can be denied entry to the U.S., denied applications for naturalization or permanent residency (green card), subjected to mandatory detention and in some cases can be deported.

The new cannabis law addresses some the racist impact of the war on drugs such as decriminalizing the use of cannabis by adults and expunges certain charges/convictions related to cannabis. The law created the Minnesota Office of Cannabis--check out their website for more information about the changes in the law.

Infographic: English/Spanish JPEG | PDF English/Spanish


A partir del 1 de agosto de 2023, la despenalización de Minnesota permitirá la posesión, el uso y el cultivo doméstico de cannabis en Minnesota para personas mayores de 21 años. Ver CAPÍTULO 63--H.F.No. 100.

Sin embargo, la marihuana sigue siendo ilegal según la ley federal, donde todavía se clasifica como sustancia controlada.

A las personas no ciudadanas que admiten usar, que se benefician financieramente, vender, fabricar o invertir en la industria se les puede negar la entrada a los EE. UU., negarles las solicitudes de naturalización o residencia permanente (tarjeta verde), someterlas a detención obligatoria y, en algunos casos, pueden ser deportadas.

Infografía: Ingles/Espanol JPEG | PDF English/Espanol


Read my Op-Ed from February 20, 2023 in the Mn Reformer: As Minnesota legalizes marijuana, immigrants must be cautious.