3,500+ cannabis-in-vehicle charges since legalization
Minnesota prosecutors have filed more than 3,500 charges for marijuana possession in motor vehicles since legalization, according to a Minnesota Reformer analysis of court/prosecution data published Dec. 9, 2025. The figures reflect enforcement of Minnesota’s law that continues to prohibit cannabis in the passenger area or in open packaging inside vehicles, impacting drivers statewide, including the Twin Cities.
📌 Key Facts
- Over 3,500 charges filed statewide since cannabis legalization took effect
- Offense focuses on marijuana present in a vehicle’s passenger area or open packaging, which remains illegal
- Report published Dec. 9, 2025 by Minnesota Reformer based on Minnesota court/prosecution data
📊 Relevant Data
In Hennepin County, Minnesota, approximately 42% of people charged with open cannabis packages or use in vehicles since legalization were Black, despite Black residents comprising about 13% of the county's population.
Prosecutors have brought over 3,500 charges for marijuana possession in cars since legalization — Minnesota Reformer
In Ramsey and Dakota counties, Minnesota, approximately 33% of people charged with open cannabis packages or use in vehicles since legalization were Black.
Prosecutors have brought over 3,500 charges for marijuana possession in cars since legalization — Minnesota Reformer
In 2024, Black individuals accounted for 1,862 drug abuse arrests in Minnesota, representing approximately 25% of the total 7,461 drug abuse arrests, while Black residents comprise about 7% of the state's population.
2024 BCA Uniform Crime Report — Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
According to 2022-2023 data, the prevalence of frequent past 30-day cannabis use (20-30 days) among non-Hispanic Black adults in Minnesota is 9.1%, compared to 6.8% among non-Hispanic White adults.
Cannabis use in Minnesota: Report to the Legislature, 2025 — Minnesota Department of Health