Winona, MN, Minnesota

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 3

Legislation: The penalty for possession of a small amount (less than 42.5 grams) of marijuana is a fine of up to $200 and possible requirement of drug education. Possession of 42.5 grams or more of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Possession of 10 kilograms or more of marijuana increases the penalty to a fine up to $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of 50 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. For any possession of 100 kilograms or more, the penalty is up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000.

Possession of greater than 1.4 grams in a motor vehicle (except in the trunk) is punishable by up to one year in prison.

Driver’s licenses can be suspended for 30 days if the offense was committed while driving a motor vehicle.

Conditional discharge is a possibility for first time offenders.

Law enforcement: Cops are pretty lame in Winona, they don’t have much to do besides bust people for petty crimes. In most cases if you get caught you’re looking at court, fines, probation, etc. Just avoid cops, especially at night. They’re always in their squad cars, never on foot, and if you look suspicious (or have any reason for them to pull you) they will pull you over. Since it’s a small town, a little courtesy with the 5-0 goes a long way. If they ask you what you’re doing, mention something wholesome like bowling (seriously, their opinion of you will change immediately).

another reporter added: “Cops in the city of Winona will bust you in most cases if they catch you smoking, or pull you over and find weed/paraphernalia in your car, and this can result in court, probation, etc. So be careful, but it is possible to find good spots in town. Just don’t drive and smoke in town. ”

Where to buy marijuana: Just like in any small town, connections are essential. You won’t really find any dealers on the street anywhere, it’s best to know someone. The porn store on 3rd St in downtown Winona sells bowls and bongs and such, so go in and look for stoner types examining the merchandise–wait until outside the store to ask discretely though, and don’t be sketchy about it. Let them know you’re cool and smoke them up if they can hook you up. If you see any stoners around the Winona State campus, ask them discretely too. Don’t bother looking for bud at the St Mary’s campus though. Also, the disc golf courses by the lakes are good places to find stoners, again be discreet as the parks are extremely public areas. Basically any stoner types or punks (they’re cool with you as long as you’re cool with them) will at least give you a friendly pointer in the right direction.

another reporter added: “It’s all about connections. If you come across a hippie-looking person or an obvious stoner, ask discretely. Also, the local porn store sells pipes and stuff, so go in there–don’t mention weed to the employees, but if you see anyone looking at the pipes ask them outside or something.”

Marijuana prices: Usually $50-60 an eighth for good dank or beasters, $300-375 an oz. Of course, these prices depend on availability and your hookup. It’s usually dryer in the summer when the college kids are gone. Don’t expect to be able to get a hold of any amounts larger than an eighth if you don’t know anyone though, and it can take a while even if you do. Many dealers also sell by the dime (1.7g, $25-30).

Mids are usually $25 an eighth, but not very common.

another reporter added: “Usually $25-30 a dime, $50-60 and eighth depending on quality, $150-175 1/2 oz, $300-350 an oz. Usually good dank, nothing special like you can get in bigger cities but generally pretty good quality. Shwag is harder to find, but find any ghetto-looking people–warning, they will probably rip you off. ”

Marijuana brands: Most of the Winona bud is pretty good quality, but not many name brands. Beasters are common, but don’t pay 60 an eighth for them. I’ve come across blueberry, grapes, and sour diesel, but high quality strains are tough to find. Shitty brick weed is available but isn’t worth the effort or risk of losing your money.

More information: I don’t recommend smoking in the open in Winona unless you are familiar with the town and know some good spots. Don’t drive around town and smoke either. On the other hand, the county road system is great, almost no sheriffs (or anyone else except other people on roadies), beautiful scenery, and miles upon miles of empty road to explore. Or, there are beautiful river bluffs right in town with great trails, so if it isn’t winter go for a nature hike with your favorite plant. Very few people use the extensive trail system, which runs along all of the bluffs. If you don’t want to go hiking, just go up into the trees to smoke.

There are beautiful river bluffs right in town with tons of great trails, so take a little hike, or even just go up into the trees. Also, in my experience the Winona County road system is great. I’ve only seen about 3 sheriff’s cars in about 3 years of roadie-ing on the back roads, which extend all across the area. Great scenery, most of the roads are gravel but basically empty, really fun to explore while smoking.