Minnesota lawmakers have made a significant breakthrough by reaching consensus on measures to legalize marijuana and putting the bill to a vote in both houses this week.

Legislation includes purchasing and growing rights, ownership restrictions, overturning of previous convictions, licenses for growers, retailers and delivery services, and on-site consumption at certain events.

In addition to this progressive attitude, on Monday the Minnesota legislative branch approved a comprehensive omnibus on criminal justice and public safety The invoice which decriminalizes possession of drug paraphernalia, syringe services, residues and testing.

A win for harm reduction

The passage of such measures represents a major triumph for harm reduction advocates within the state.

If signed into law, Minnesota would become the first state in the country to fully legalize the supply and possession of all drug paraphernalia, even when residues of controlled substances are present.

Highlights of the reform package

• Possession and delivery of paraphernalia are no longer punishable, except in cases where manufacture is for delivery.
• Possession of small amounts of drug residue on paraphernalia is no longer considered illegal.
• Injection service providers will be authorized to provide critical harm reduction services, including sterile needles, overdose prevention education and treatment referrals, free of charge.

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