Minnesota Senate Approves Bill to Speed Up Cannabis Business Licensing
The Minnesota state Senate has given the green light to a bill that would fast-track the licensing process for cannabis businesses. In a close vote of 34-32, the measure was narrowly approved last week. If it becomes law, it could pave the way for regulated weed cultivation to begin by the end of this year.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization in Minnesota Set for 2023
In May 2023, Minnesota lawmakers passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. This includes provisions that allow adults to possess up to two ounces of cannabis in public and up to two pounds at home, starting from August 1 of last year. Adults will also be allowed to grow up to eight cannabis plants at home, with four of them being mature and flowering.
Regulated Cannabis Cultivation and Sales to Begin in 2025
The approved bill also legalizes the cultivation and sale of regulated cannabis by licensed businesses. It is expected that dispensaries will start selling recreational marijuana in January 2025. Under the new legislation, state regulators will be able to give preliminary approval for cannabis cultivators as early as this summer. Supporters of the bill believe that this will give prospective cultivators time to secure funding, find a location, and complete other necessary tasks before launching their business.
Democratic Senator: “This Industry is in its Infancy”
According to Democratic Senator Lindsey Port, “This newly regulated, legalized, and regulated industry is in its infancy, and we’re here to continue the work we started last year.” She believes that like any new industry, it will take time to fully develop and grow. The bill aims to support the industry and those involved in it as it progresses.
Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management to Regulate Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids and Medical Marijuana
The bill also tasks the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management with regulating hemp-derived cannabinoids and medical marijuana, which are currently under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Health. The office played a significant role in recommending many of the provisions in the bill to ensure a smooth transition to regulated sales of recreational marijuana. This includes allowing companies with early approval to temporarily follow the state’s existing rules for medical marijuana cultivation until the Office of Cannabis Management finalizes recreational marijuana regulations later this year.
Republican Lawmakers Express Concerns
Despite the bill’s approval, many Republican lawmakers expressed concerns. They worry that having temporary regulations that may differ from the permanent rules could cause problems. They also oppose the idea of businesses being allowed to grow recreational weed before being licensed by the state. Republican Senator Jordan Rasmusson stated, “I understand that there are folks that want to have the cannabis industry open and running today, but I think for the health and safety of Minnesotans, for public safety, for regulatory integrity, and an open and transparent process that would allow Minnesotans to engage in rulemaking, it’s really important that we don’t do an end-around.”
