Minnesota Law Banning Cannabis Smoking in Multi-Unit Dwellings Now in Effect

A Minnesota law barring cannabis smoking in multifamily homes – defined as those with at least three units – is now in effect, FOX 9 reports. The law does provide exceptions for medical cannabis patients. 

Under the law, landlords are responsible for reporting violators of the law to the Office of Cannabis Management which can impose a $250 fine for each violation; however, there are more than 40,000 medical cannabis patients in Minnesota, so enforcing the smoke-free policy could be tricky.  

Cecil Smith, CEO of Minnesota Multi Housing Association, told FOX 9 that “Obviously there’s going to be some tension that’s going to arise when people have an expectation of a smoke-free building, and they’re smelling weed.” 

In an interview with FOX 9, Kayla Fearing, of Healing Fear Consulting who lives in a multi-family unit, called the law “very discriminatory” adding that, technically, she needs to drive 15 minutes from her home if she wants to smoke cannabis.  

“They’re trying to find places, whether it’s a private trail, places that they can smoke that are in public, that aren’t necessarily ‘in public.’” — Fearing to FOX 9 

Fearing, though, said that “if your neighbors don’t want you smoking, don’t smoke.” 

“I think we just got to be respectful of people,” she said.

Under the law, lawsuits can also be filed against landlords and homeowners’ associations that fail to enforce the policies.