Growing Weed in a Minnesota Apartment? Here’s What You Can and Can’t Do Legally

So, you're ready to grow your own cannabis in the Minnesota - but you rent an apartment. Can you legally grow weed inside your unit? What if your landlord says no? Here’s everything you need to know about what’s allowed, what’s off-limits, and how to stay legal (and neighbor-friendly) while growing in Minneapolis.

What Apartment Growers Can Do in Minnesota

Grow Up to 8 Plants (But Read the Fine Print)

As of August 1, 2023, adults 21+ in Minnesota are legally allowed to grow up to eight cannabis plants, with no more than four flowering at once - but only at their primary residence.
Key catch: The law permits residential growing in a private dwelling owned or controlled by the adult. That “controlled” part gets tricky in apartments.

Grow Indoors - If You Have Landlord Permission

If your lease doesn’t explicitly ban growing, and your landlord is on board, you’re legally allowed to grow inside your apartment. But:

• You must keep the grow enclosed, locked, and not visible to the public.
• Children cannot have access to the plants.
• You can’t sell what you grow - it must be for personal use only.

Pro tip: Get written permission from your landlord. Verbal agreements won’t help if a dispute arises.

Use Low-Odor Techniques

While not required by law, growing discreetly is your best bet to avoid complaints. Use:

• Carbon filters or inline fans to manage smell.
• Grow tents with lightproof lining.
• Autoflower strains to reduce grow time and complexity.

What Apartment Growers Can't Do in Minnesota

Grow Without Landlord Consent

Even if you meet every requirement of the state law, your landlord has the final say. If they prohibit it in the lease, you can’t grow legally inside their property, even if you live there.

Grow on Shared Property or Balconies

The law is clear: cannabis cultivation must be indoors and in a private, secure, non-visible space. That means:

• No growing on balconies, shared patios, or community rooftops.
• No placing plants in windows where they can be seen from the outside.

Ignore Safety and Fire Codes

If you're using DIY lighting, overloaded power strips, or improperly vented setups, you could violate city safety ordinances and risk eviction or fines. Always:

• Use proper LED grow lights designed for indoor use.
• Avoid humidity over 60%, which can trigger mold and building damage.

What About Renters’ Rights?

While Minnesota’s cannabis law allows home growing, it doesn’t override property rights. That means:

• Landlords can ban cultivation outright in lease agreements.
• You could be evicted for violating your lease, even if what you’re doing is legal under state law.
• Always review your lease carefully or ask for a clause to allow growing if you’re unsure.

A Legal & Practical Workaround

If your landlord says no, you might still be able to grow at a friend or family member’s home, if they own the residence and grant permission. You’ll need to:

• Transport clones or seeds legally (no crossing state lines).
• Still follow all plant limits and security rules.

Tips for Apartment Growers Who Are Approved

• Use a 2x2 or 3x3 grow tent with built-in exhaust.
• Try low-stress training to control height in small spaces.
• Avoid high-smell strains unless you have carbon filtration.
• Run lights during the day to avoid complaints from neighbors about humming or heat.

What Could Get You in Trouble?

Growing cannabis in a Minneapolis apartment is legal under state law, but not without restrictions. If your landlord allows it and you’re careful about odor, light, and safety, you can have a successful apartment grow. But always remember: state law is just one layer - your lease and building rules matter just as much. When in doubt, ask first, document everything, and grow responsibly.

We believe growing your own cannabis should be legal, safe, and stress-free - and HomeGrow Helpline is here to support you every step of the way. Call or text us at (937) 476-1669.