While recreational cannabis use may be legal in the State of Minnesota, effective August 1, 2023, the Chippewa and Superior National Forests officials are reminding visitors that it is illegal on National Forest System lands. Possession or use of any amount of cannabis is still prohibited on all National Forest lands and at all National Forest campgrounds and facilities. Forest officials ask visitors to be mindful of National Forest System boundaries and to become familiar with relevant federal and state regulations prior to visiting the Chippewa and/or Superior National Forests.

In 2023, Minnesota legislators passed state legislation (Chapter 63, HF100) to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for persons 21 and older. Minnesota state officials are in the process of developing rules and regulations to implement the law. Passage of this state law has generated significant public and media attention.

In Minnesota, National Forests have receive questions from visitors on the legality of marijuana use on public lands. Development of rules and regulations for the recreational use of marijuana in Minnesota may also lead to questions from U.S. Forest Service employees, special-use permittees, contractors, and the public.

While recreational cannabis use may be legal in the State of Minnesota, effective August 1, 2023, Chippewa and Superior National Forest officials are reminding visitors that it is illegal on National Forest System lands. Possession or use of any amount of cannabis is still prohibited on all Chippewa and Superior National Forest lands, and at all Chippewa and Superior National Forest campgrounds and facilities. 

Forest officials ask visitors to be mindful of National Forest System boundaries and to become familiar with relevant federal and state regulations prior to visiting the Chippewa and Superior National Forests.

Maps are available at our District Ranger stations and to purchase on-line.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q: Cannabis use is legal in the State of Minnesota, effective August 1, 2023, why isn’t it legal on the Chippewa and Superior National Forest ?
  • A: National forest lands are federally managed forests and are therefore regulated at the federal level, and cannabis use is not legal at the federal level. The recently passed state law, which allows recreational cannabis use, has no bearing on Federal laws which continue to identify cannabis as a Schedule I illegal drug, and prohibit its use.
• Q: I’m 21 or older will I be able to legally use and possess certain amounts of cannabis after Aug. 1, 2023;on federal property.
  • A: No, it is illegal to possess, use, sell or cultivate cannabis on federal land and is a punishable offense.
• Q: How do I know if I’m on Forest service or federally owned land?
  • A: Forest officials ask visitors to be mindful of National Forest System boundaries and to become familiar with relevant federal and state regulations prior to visiting the Chippewa and Superior National Forests. Maps are available at our all of our District Ranger stations and to purchase on-line www.fs.usda.gov/main/r9/maps-pubs
• Q: Can I bring cannabis with me into a Chippewa or Superior National Forest campground or district ranger station?
  • A: Though it is legalized in the state of Minnesota, possession of cannabis or use of any amount of cannabis is still prohibited on all Chippewa and Superior National Forest lands and at all Chippewa and Superior National Forest campgrounds and facilities.
• Q:  Are edibles legal or illegal to consume on National Forest Lands?
  • A.   They are illegal if they contain cannabis and/or THC.
• Q:  What is the difference between smoking cannabis and using THC containing vape materials on National Forest Lands?
  • A.  No difference.
• Q:  Can I smoke cannabis or THC materials in my vape pen on National Forest Lands?
  • A.  No.
• Q:  What is the difference between cannabis and marijuana?
  • A.  There is no difference.
• Q:  What is the fine for possessing cannabis on federal lands?
  • A:  Mandatory appearance before a Federal Magistrate and if convicted on a first-time offense, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 1 year, and shall be fined a minimum of $1,000, or both. 21 USC 844a.  This applies to all forms of cannabis.