Minnesota House passes final draft of legalized cannabis bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota House approved the final draft of the bill to legalize recreational cannabis late Thursday night.

Negotiators from the House and Senate reached the final deal on the bill on Tuesday. The legislation is the culmination of 30 committees, hours of testimony and several changes to the bill over the course of this legislative session.

The Minnesota House began its final debate shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The bill, which passed 73-57, now goes to the Senate for approval, before ending up on the governor's desk for signature. Five Republicans joined all but one House Democrat voting yes.

Gov. Tim Walz has said he intends to sign the bill.

RELATED: What's all rolled up into the final Minnesota recreational marijuana bill?

The final deal will legalize weed for recreational use, but also allow for new state-licensed businesses that will grow, manufacture and sell at retail dispensaries marijuana products.

Consumers can expect a nearly 17% tax on marijuana products. A 10% retail tax on cannabis would be established, which would be in addition to the state's 6.875% sales tax and any other locally imposed sales taxes.

RELATED: Law enforcement leaders raise concerns over legal cannabis in Minnesota

Co-sponsor Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, says when the compromise bill gets to the floor, it's an up-or-down vote. No further amendments can be added.

The bill would appropriate $15 million in the 2024-25 biennium to the Office of Traffic Safety to train drug recognition evaluators. And $2.6 million in the biennium would fund a roadside testing pilot project.