Minnesota marijuana regulators are conducting a second round of surveys to gather public feedback as they craft rules for the cannabis market in their state. The state is also highlighting the hundreds of responses that they received in , an initial survey focused on cultivation and processing.
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is planning to distribute five surveys by the end of next month on topics related to marijuana consumers and the industry. The goal is for the information collected to inform the rule-making process under the legalization law enacted in the state earlier this year.
The office reported that more than 700 people responded to its first survey. This gave them valuable insight into how to support small businesses effectively, navigate supply chain and provide reliable laboratory testing services.
OCM stated that several “themes”, based on the responses to the first survey, emerged. It said, for example, that “clarity was needed regarding the role played by home growers in the larger cannabis market.”
The other important takeaways are:
- There is a need for technical support for growers and processors–specifically to teach skills and methods to those new to the industry.
- Establishing cultivation businesses is important to meet future needs in the processing, manufacturing and retail markets.
- For a safe and credible market, it is important to have access to reliable laboratory testing and records.
- Process and manufacturing needs should be based on system-based approaches, similar to those in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.
In an email sent last week, regulators announced that OCM was now opening the discussion on “testing and environmental controls as well as pesticides and fertilisers.”
The survey asks participants to choose a category, such as environmental controls or pesticides, and to answer open-ended questions regarding opportunities, concerns, considerations for technical development, and other issues that they would like regulators to consider during the rulemaking processes.
The office stated.
The next survey will focus on retail business standards and operations (December 15-28), tracking, packaging and labeling systems (December 29-January 12,) and licensing considerations and social equity (January 13-26).
The office stated that “OCM will provide other opportunities for you to participate in the rulemaking processes through virtual and in-person meetings.” The office said that these meetings will be announced within the next few months.
The public will be able to comment after OCM has formally proposed the new rules. This is expected to happen sometime in the autumn of next year. OCM has been approved by lawmakers to use an expedited rulemaking procedure, but regulators have noted that the rules “may not be approved and come into force until 2025.”
Adults 21 years and older are already able to legally possess, use and grow marijuana as personal use. In August, Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat from Wisconsin, clarified that cannabis grown at home cannot be sold for commercial purposes.
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Minnesota’s cannabis laws also allow tribes to open marijuana businesses within the state before the state licenses traditional retailers. Some tribal governments have entered the legal market even before state-regulated sale begins. Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians , for instance, opened their medical dispensaries in August to adult consumers and announced plans to introduce a mobile retail vehicle that would sell marijuana across the state.
In July, the White Earth Nation tribe opened a cannabis shop for adults. Its governing council voted to allow marijuana sales. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is also moving to legalize.
OCM has recently encountered a notable snag after Erin DuPree resigned after just one day after a Star Tribune reported that her hemp shop was allegedly selling illegal products. The lab results showed that the hemp shop sold illegal products.
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in September that by itself, the smell of marijuana does not constitute probable cause to allow police officers search a car.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura said he wanted to be the “first major American politician” to put his face on a cannabis brand.
The Cannabis Expungement Board is another entity created by Minnesota’s cannabis law, and will facilitate the sealing of records for those with marijuana convictions in their record. The review of eligible cases started in August.
Before the Governor signed the reform law, the state created a website to serve as a central hub of information on the new law. Officials are also soliciting vendors who can help create a licensing system.
Walz has also harshly criticized Republicans for calling for a special session to fix what they call “loopholes in the law” concerning youth possession and consumption. has also invited adults from neighboring Iowa into to participate in the market.
Another Minnesota Law went into effect recently that legalized the possession of drug paraphernalia and syringe service, as well as residue testing for controlled substances.
A task force for psychedelics is being actively built up under another bill the Governor signed into law during this session. This will prepare Minnesota for possible legalizations of substances such as psilocybin or ibogaine.
The task force on psychedelics held its first discussion last month and the members met for their second discussion Monday.
Rep. Dean Phillips, a member of Congress from the state of Delaware, announced recently that he is running for President against incumbent Joe Biden, a Democrat. According to Marijuana Moment’s review of Phillips’s drug policy record, it reflects his consistent commitment to reform both at the federal and state levels.
Phillips supported federal marijuana legalization and pushed Biden’s administration to provide relief for those who have been criminalized because of cannabis. He also advocated research into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. His voting record demonstrates his support for reforms across the board, including incremental measures to reduce federal cannabis prohibition and more comprehensive proposals that promote social equity.
Six Governors push Biden to ensure Marijuana is rescheduled by the end of this year
Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The article Minnesota Marijuana regulators seek more public input as they craft industry rules and process responses to the initial survey first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
