Minnesota just made history by greenlighting its first-ever cannabis event where folks can buy and smoke weed right on the spot. This weekend’s Legacy Cup festival in Minneapolis, starring hip-hop icons like Killer Mike, Warren G, and Afroman, promises a fresh twist on music and marijuana culture. But what does this mean for the state’s budding weed scene? Stick around to find out how it’s changing the game.
Historic Step for Minnesota Cannabis Events
State officials handed out the first marijuana event organizer license to the Legacy Cup, setting a new bar for legal weed gatherings. This move lets adults 21 and up purchase and use cannabis products directly at the event, a big shift from past rules that kept sales and consumption separate. The festival kicks off this weekend at Surly Brewing Festival Field in Minneapolis, drawing crowds eager for tunes and tokes.
The Office of Cannabis Management approved the license after careful checks to ensure safety and compliance. Organizers stressed that the event bans alcohol and tobacco, focusing purely on cannabis in a controlled setting. This comes just weeks after Minnesota launched its full recreational marijuana market, with the first non-tribal sales starting in September 2025.
Event planners worked hard to meet state guidelines, including security plans and age checks.
Star-Studded Lineup and Festival Vibes
Killer Mike, the Grammy-winning rapper from Run the Jewels, headlines the show, joined by West Coast legend Warren G and “Because I Got High” hitmaker Afroman. These artists, all vocal about cannabis, fit perfectly with the festival’s theme of celebrating weed culture and legacy.
Attendees can expect live music, vendor booths, and now, legal on-site sales of marijuana products like flower, edibles, and concentrates. The Legacy Cup aims to create a safe, fun space for cannabis fans, marking Minnesota’s entry into a new era of public events. Organizers say it’s about education too, with talks on responsible use.
The festival runs over the weekend, with tickets selling fast. It’s not just a party; it’s a milestone that could inspire more such events across the state.
One key rule stands out: no re-entry after leaving, to keep things secure.
How This Fits Into Minnesota’s Weed Journey
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana back in 2023 under Governor Tim Walz, but the rollout took time. The first business license went to Herb Quest, a small cultivator in Pine County, in June 2025. That paved the way for retail sales, which began at places like Green Goods and RISE dispensaries just last week.
This event license builds on that progress. State data shows over 100 applications for cannabis businesses are in the pipeline, with dozens close to approval. By allowing on-site use at events, Minnesota joins states like California and Colorado in normalizing public cannabis consumption. A recent report from the Office of Cannabis Management highlights that legal sales could generate up to $150 million in tax revenue annually by 2027, based on early market trends.
The path wasn’t smooth. Tribal nations started sales earlier, in 2023, giving them a head start. Now, with non-tribal shops open, the market is heating up.
Here’s a quick timeline of key milestones:
- 2023: Recreational marijuana legalized.
- June 2025: First cultivation license issued.
- September 2025: Non-tribal retail sales begin.
- This week: First event license for on-site sales.
Broader Impact on Culture and Economy
This festival isn’t just about fun; it signals big changes for Minnesota’s economy and social scene. Local businesses, from growers to sellers, stand to gain as events like this draw tourists and boost sales. Experts predict the state’s cannabis industry could hit $1.5 billion in annual revenue by 2030, according to a 2024 study by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
On the cultural side, artists like Killer Mike have long pushed for cannabis reform, linking it to social justice. His presence adds weight, reminding folks of the plant’s role in music and activism. Events like the Legacy Cup could help reduce stigma, showing weed as part of mainstream entertainment. Community groups praise the move for promoting safe use, while critics worry about public health risks.
Still, early feedback is positive. A poll by the Star Tribune in July 2025 found 62% of Minnesotans support legal events with on-site consumption.
One thing’s clear: this opens doors for more festivals, potentially transforming how people experience cannabis in public.
This landmark license for the Legacy Cup wraps up a thrilling chapter in Minnesota’s cannabis story, blending music, culture, and legal highs into one unforgettable weekend. It’s a win for fans who waited years for moments like this, sparking hope for a more open future while addressing past injustices tied to weed prohibition.
