Jesse Ventura Calls Boycott Minnesota State Fair Marijuana Ban

Former Minnesota governor, ex navy seal and longtime cannabis advocate Jesse Ventura announced he will not attend this year’s Minnesota State Fair -although he was planning to- because of the fair’s continued ban on marijuana. The ban is standing despite the state’s 2023 legalization of cannabis.

In a recent interview with WCCO-AM’s Chad Hartman, Ventura, who owns cannabis brand Ventura Farms, expressed frustration over the fair’s decision. “Cannabis is legal now. Why should the State Fair ban it?” – he said.

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The Alcohol And Cigarettes Privilege

“The fair allows alcohol to be drunk on the grounds. You can get smashed, go on a ride, and throw up all over everyone because you’ve been drinking. They have 18 designated smoking places for tobacco, yet they ban cannabis,” he noted.

Ventura endorsed the Harris/Walz ticket and urged other cannabis users to join his protest. “I urge all cannabis users to boycott the State Fair until they treat cannabis the same as alcohol,” he said.

Hartman initially expressed support, saying that, as a cannabis user, he wouldn’t attend the fair either to back Ventura’s protest. But later on, he retracted, joking, “On this one, I better keep the gig.”

Adults in Minnesota can legally possess and use recreational cannabis. However, the state has not yet launched its retail market. Adult-use, medical and hemp-derived cannabis markets regulations are still being drafted by the Office of Cannabis Management, which recently delivered a 110-page document seeking feedback from Minnesotans.

The full rollout of retail sales won’t happen until 2025, with current sales limited to tribal lands.

Cover: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons