Last week, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) took a steady stride into the burgeoning territory of cannabis regulation by rolling out a revamped rulebook for how cannabis and THC are to be used in public spaces. According to a report by MPRB, the board approved an updated Tobacco and Cannabis Policy, along with putting a brand-new THC Policy on the books during their May 7 meeting.
The updated Tobacco and Cannabis Policy extends the existing tobacco-only framework to include cannabis, effectively drawing the line at smoking and vaping the substance in public parks. While such actions aren’t grounds for a citation, you can expect to be gently nudged to cease and desist by fellow park-goers. New signs backing the policy are set to start popping up this summer. On top of that, the policy attempts to clearly define the use of traditional tobacco in spiritual or cultural ceremonies - looking to tread carefully around practices that hold deeper significance than mere recreation or habit.
Enter the novel THC Policy. This piece of the regulatory puzzle is meant to serve up clearer directions on how park concessions and event permits can manage the sale of THC-infused goodies within these public green spaces. The rule states only edibles and beverages with up to 5 mg of THC potency per serving will pass muster, while lighting up or vaping THC in any form remains off the table.
The push for these policy updates didn't just emerge out of thin air. It's grounded in the State of Minnesota’s Cannabis Legislation (Chapter 63, H.F. 100), which was passed back in 2023, giving public property the green light for smoking and vaping cannabis, though allowing local jurisdictions to just say no. Additionally, edibles and drinkables laced with THC fall within the regulatory purview of local entities. Both policies strut into effect come May 15, 2025, signaling a broader cultural shift as the city parks sync with the state's stance on cannabis and THC use.
