This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to decriminalize the possession of residual amounts of controlled substances found in drug paraphernalia and similar items. Specifically, it modifies sections 152.023 and 152.025 to clarify that individuals will not be charged with a controlled substance crime for possessing small residual amounts contained in drug paraphernalia, hypodermic syringes or needles, or small plastic bags typically used for personal use of controlled substances. The bill outlines that these exceptions apply to various categories of controlled substances, including narcotics and cannabis.

In addition to the decriminalization provisions, the bill retains existing penalties for more significant possession offenses, such as possessing large quantities of narcotics or cannabis. The amendments aim to reduce the legal consequences for individuals found with minimal amounts of drugs in paraphernalia, thereby focusing law enforcement efforts on more serious drug offenses while addressing public safety concerns.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 152.023, 152.025