The U.S. Forest Service reminds people that Minnesota’s marijuana legalization law, which was passed this week, does not allow people to possess or use cannabis in national forests within the state. It recommends purchasing a map so you know where and when you can indulge.
The Forest Service sent out an alert on Tuesday, the same day that legalized adult-use marijuana in Minnesota. It informed the public that possession of any amount cannabis was still prohibited “on all National Forest Lands and at all National Forest Campgrounds and Facilities.”
It says: “Forest officials urge visitors to be aware of the boundaries of National Forest System and familiarize themselves with applicable federal and state regulations before visiting the Chippewa or Superior National Forests.”
Since the Minnesota Legislature ended the prohibition of marijuana at the state-level, the agency has received inquiries from visitors regarding the “legality” of marijuana use in public lands.
Chippewa National Forest officials remind visitors that recreational cannabis use is illegal on National Forest System land.
A FAQ section explains the federal regulation of national forests. Federal law is therefore applicable and overrides any newly implemented state policy.
The Forest Service offers maps at all District Ranger Stations and online for those who want to know where the exact national forest boundary lies to plan their trip.
The agency urges people to “be mindful” and to “be familiar with the relevant federal and State regulations before visiting the Chippewa National Forests and Superior National Forests.”
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, has recently taken notice of Minnesota’s new legalization law.
Just hours after Gov. Tim Walz, (D), signed the reform law into law in may. ATF sent out a reminder to people using cannabis that they are still prohibited from buying and possessing firearms, regardless of state laws.
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On Tuesday, marijuana possession and cultivation was legalized for Minnesota adults aged 21 and over. A native tribe launched the first sales while the regulators worked to create a licensing system for traditional retailers.
It also created the Office of Cannabis Management, which was launched last month. The primary regulatory body will be responsible for overseeing the market. The governor is actively looking for an executive director.
The Cannabis Expungement Board is another body which has been established. It will facilitate the sealing of records for those with marijuana convictions in their record. The review of eligible cases will begin on Tuesday.
The state has demonstrated its willingness to quickly set up the industry. The state has launched a website to provide information on the new law even before Walz signed it. Officials are also soliciting vendors who can help create a licensing system.
On Tuesday, another Minnesota law went into effect that legalized drug paraphernalia, syringe service, controlled substance residue, and testing.
Maryland Marijuana sales reach record high of $87 million in the first month of adult-use legalization
Photo by Philip Steffan.
The post Feds recommend buying a map to avoid bringing marijuana into national forests in Minnesota following legalization first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
