Minnesota Senate Approves Bill to Speed Up Cannabis Licensing Process
The Minnesota state Senate has given the green light to a bill that would fast-track the licensing of cannabis businesses. In a close vote of 34-32, the measure was narrowly approved last week. If it passes through the legislature and is signed into law, it could pave the way for regulated weed cultivation to begin by the end of this year.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization on the Horizon for Minnesota
In a bold move, Minnesota lawmakers have passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana by May 2023. This would 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. The legislation also permits individuals to grow up to eight cannabis plants at home, including four mature, flowering plants.
Regulated Cannabis Cultivation and Sales to Begin in Minnesota
The newly passed 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 legislation, state regulators will be able to give preliminary approval for cannabis cultivators as early as this summer. Supporters of the bill believe this will give prospective cultivators time to secure funding, find a suitable location, and complete other necessary tasks before launching their business.
Democratic Senator: “We’re Here to Continue the Work We Started Last Year”
According to a report from the Albert Lea Tribune, Democratic Senator Lindsey Port stated, “This newly regulated, legalized, and regulated industry is in its infancy, and we’re here to continue the work we started last year.” She also added, “Like any new industry, it will not be fully grown on day one. This bill works to ensure a successful market launch and support the industry and Minnesotans involved in this industry as it grows and develops.”
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 overseen by the state Department of Health. The office played a significant role in recommending many of the provisions in the bill to help facilitate a smooth transition to regulated sales of recreational marijuana. This includes allowing companies to temporarily operate under 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, But Bill Moves Forward
Despite opposition from many Republican lawmakers, the bill was ultimately passed. Some expressed concerns about establishing temporary regulations that may differ from the permanent rules that are yet to be finalized. They also raised objections to allowing businesses to start growing recreational weed before obtaining a license from 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 just regulatory integrity, and an open and transparent process that would allow Minnesotans to engage on rulemaking, it’s really important that we don’t do an end-around on this.”
