Saint Paul, MN Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal age
- 21 plus
- Public use
- Prohibited
- State statute
- Minn. Stat. 152.0263
- Penalty
- Petty misdemeanor
- Indoor smoking
- Clean Air Act
Summary
Despite Minnesota's 2023 cannabis legalization, public consumption remains prohibited in Saint Paul streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public spaces, with violations treated as petty misdemeanors under state law.
152.0263 CANNABIS POSSESSION CRIMES. [...] Subd. 5. Use of cannabis in public. A local unit of government may adopt an ordinance establishing a petty misdemeanor offense for a person who unlawfully uses cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place provided that the definition of public place does not include the following:
(1) a private residence, including the person's curtilage or yard;
(2) private property not generally accessible by the public, unless the person is explicitly prohibited from consuming cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products on the property by the owner of the property; or
(3) the premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption. History: 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16; 2023 c 63 art 4 s 19
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Minnesota legalized adult recreational cannabis use in 2023 under HF 100 (Minn. Stat. Chapter 342), but Section 152.0263 prohibits public use of cannabis flower, edibles, or vapor at any place open to the public including sidewalks, parks, restaurants, schools, and Xcel Energy Center events. Saint Paul ordinances reinforce these limits and authorize SPPD enforcement. Allowed locations are private residences (subject to landlord rules), licensed on-site consumption venues once the state Office of Cannabis Management licenses them, and certain registered cannabis events. Smoking cannabis is also subject to the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act in workplaces and indoor public places.
Violations & Fines
Public-use violations are petty misdemeanors with fines up to $300 plus court costs. Repeat offenders or use near schools may face stiffer penalties under state cannabis law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on my apartment balcony?
Are edibles allowed in public?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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