Marijuana vs. Hemp – What’s Legal and What’s Not

In Minnesota, it’s illegal to possess marijuana, but not hemp. So what’s the difference? Basically, both hemp and marijuana come from cannabis plants. Hemp is marijuana with low-levels of THC, which is tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. In Minnesota, hemp is cannabis with a THC concentration at or below 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Marijuana is cannabis with any THC concentration above 0.3 percent. Possession of any amount of hemp is legal. Possession of 42.5 grams or less of non-resinous marijuana is a petty misdemeanor. Possession of more than 42.5 grams of marijuana or .25 grams or more of resinous marijuana is a felony. Possession of less than .25 grams of resinous marijuana is a gross misdemeanor. Resinous marijuana includes THC oil cartridges that have grown in popularity. Although legal in many other states, in Minnesota possession of .25 grams or more of a THC oil cartridge could lead to felony charges!