HF1657

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the way fluids used in water pipes are treated under Minnesota's controlled substances laws. The intent is to update legal definitions and penalties concerning the possession of certain drugs when used with water pipes.

Main Provisions

• Possession Measurement: The bill specifies that the weight of fluid in a water pipe is generally not included when calculating the total weight of a drug mixture for legal purposes. However, an exception exists if the fluid itself comprises four or more fluid ounces.
• Substance Clarification: It clarifies weight thresholds for various controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, amphetamines, phencyclidine, hallucinogens, and specific cannabis products when determining possession crimes.
• Cannabis Products Specifics: Distinctions are made for cannabis products, detailing limits for cannabis flower, concentrate, and other low-potency hemp and cannabis-infused products.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Excluded Measurements: Previously, any fluid used in a water pipe would be included in the calculation of the drug's weight. Under the new provisions, unless the liquid amount reaches four ounces or more, it will not be factored into the total weight of the controlled substance.
• Expanded Definitions: The bill expands definitions and specifics of controlled substances, particularly in the context of cannabis and its derivatives, specifying legal thresholds for possession which may affect prosecution and penalties.

Relevant Terms

controlled substances, water pipe, fluid measurement, possession crimes, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, amphetamine, hallucinogen, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabis concentrate, cannabis flower, hemp edibles, narcotic drugs.