Minnesota is preparing to launch its adult-use cannabis market, prompting necessary adjustments to existing cannabis laws. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has proposed several changes to the legislation, which were included in a report approved by a conference committee on Friday. The cannabis policy bill, HF1615/SF2370, is sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis).
Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine) expressed concerns over the state’s cannabis business model, suggesting that excessive regulation might lead to the failure of many new cannabis enterprises, despite legislative intentions to support them. He described the current framework as overly restrictive, potentially limiting the growth of what could be a thriving craft industry.
Eric Taubel, interim director of the OCM, emphasized that the newly approved agreement would facilitate the rollout of cannabis licenses and promote social equity among applicants, as well as ensure protections for medical cannabis patients. He noted, “OCM continues to make strides in implementing the cannabis market, and this legislation supports our goal of launching a safe, well-regulated market.”
The Cannabis Expungement Board also voiced support for the agreement. Deputy Director Mark Haase highlighted that the legislation would clarify inconsistencies between legislative intent and existing laws regarding the expungement of felony cannabis convictions, particularly those involving multiple charges. Under the new provisions, cases with dismissed cannabis-related charges can be sealed.
Key features of the agreement include: – Establishing a lower-potency hemp wholesaler license. – Allowing individuals with adjudicated cannabis-related sentences to apply as social equity candidates. – Permitting vendors to distribute samples at cannabis events. – Enabling manufacturers in Minnesota to export low-potency hemp products that do not comply with state regulations. – Allowing testing facilities to conduct tests while awaiting accreditation. – Setting a maximum of 10 milligrams of THC per serving for cannabis beverages.
Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL-Burnsville) raised a separate issue regarding local governments that are obstructing the establishment of cannabis businesses in their areas. She noted that some municipalities are using zoning laws to prohibit cannabis operations, contrary to the intentions of the state law legalizing adult-use cannabis. This has resulted in a disjointed landscape of cannabis regulation across Minnesota, with some local governments misinterpreting state guidelines.
Hanson urged residents to engage with their local officials and expressed hope that state legislators and local governments could collaborate to amend these issues in the upcoming 2026 session.
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