Minnesota officials have already begun to solicit vendors to assist in the creation of a licensing system to regulate recreational marijuana businesses, even before the Governor has signed the bill to legalize the drug that legislators recently sent his way.
In a request for proposal (RFP) posted on Wednesday, the state Department of Information Technology Services (MNIT) said that it is partnering with Departments of Health and Agriculture, as well as the yet-to-be-established Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to find a “vendor to provide the software required to accept license applications, process applications, issue licenses, and allow licensees to manage their licenses related to Adult Use of Cannabis.”
Officials stated that they expected to begin processing license requests in May 2024. Retail sales are expected to start on January 1, 2025.
Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat from Minnesota, said that after Memorial Day next year he would sign marijuana legalization as law in a “big ceremony.” But the state hasn’t waited to start preparing the infrastructure. Before this notice was published, the government launched a website to inform consumers and business owners about the upcoming cannabis policies.
MNIT stated in its RFP that Minnesota will become the 23rd State in the country to legalize adult cannabis use. The proposed legislation establishes the framework for Minnesota’s adult-use marijuana and creates a new agency, the Office of Cannabis Management, that will regulate cannabis, including for the Adult-Use Market, the Medical Cannabis Program and low-potency edible hemp products, issue licenses, and develop regulations outlining when and how businesses can participate in this industry.
The notice states that “The State prefers software solutions that can be quickly implemented without the need for custom development.”
MNIT has also listed the basic requirements that businesses interested in licensing must meet.
The software should allow them to integrate easily with the Metrc state system. They can process license applications, create an applicant/license holder’s portal, track and receive online complaints via “work queues”, provide a compliance inspection module and enforcers, and host a platform that allows the state to create customized reports, manage payments, and more.
The contract is scheduled from July 2023 until June 2025. “With the option of an additional three years, in increments determined the state.”
MNIT stated that respondents are encouraged to suggest additional tasks, goods, or activities above and beyond what was requested in the solicitation, if these will improve the procurement results. MNIT said that any costs related to these additional tasks or activities or goods must be clearly marked, and should not be included in the costs of the tasks, activities or goods requested specifically under this solicitation.
Applications for prospective vendors will be judged based on work plans, qualifications and experience, business/functional/non-functional/security requirements, accessibility of products and services, cost details and “preference points” if applicable for military veterans.
The main components of the final marijuana legislation bill, the HF 100.
Adults 21 years and older can purchase and possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana in public. They are also allowed to grow up to 8 plants at home. Four of them may be mature. In their homes, people could have up to two pounds worth of marijuana.
Adults can give each other up to 2 oz of marijuana for free.
The licensing process and the sales of adult-use cannabis are expected to take between 12-18 months. From March 1, 2025 existing medical cannabis businesses will be able to receive new combination licensing that allows them to enter the adult-use market.
The automatic expungement of certain marijuana misdemeanors records will also begin in August. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will be responsible for identifying those who are eligible for relief and submitting them to the courts for processing. The newly formed Cannabis Expungement Board will also look at felony cannabis crimes for relief and possible sentence reductions.
Municipalities and counties can also own and run government dispensaries in addition to creating an entire system of cannabis businesses.
The bill allows for cannabis delivery services and on-site consumption permits to be granted at events.
Local governments will not be allowed by law to ban marijuana businesses in their area, but they can set “reasonable regulations” on time and location. They may also limit the number of cannabis licenses issued based on the population size.
The state will impose a standard sales tax of 6.875 percent plus a 10 percent gross receipts tax.
Eighty percent of the revenue would be deposited in the general fund, with some money earmarked to fund cannabis businesses and substance abuse treatment programs. Twenty percent would go to local government.
The Office of Cannabis Management, which would regulate the market and issue cannabis business licenses, would be created. A designated Division of Social Equity would be created.
The legislation will promote social equity in part by rewarding equity applicants with higher scores. Social equity applicants would include people who live in low-income areas and veterans who have lost their honor due to cannabis-related crimes. People who are convicted of cannabis crimes, or have a family member who is convicted, will also be eligible.
Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and psychedelics bills, as well as drug policy legislation in state legislatures. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.
—
Democrats agreed internally to discuss the issue as soon as possible after their November election victory.
A recent poll found that 64 per cent of Minnesota’s registered voters are in favor of regulating the marijuana market. This includes 81 per cent of Democrats, and 49 percent of Republicans.
Two surveys released in September showed that the majority of Minnesota residents supported adult-use marijuana. One survey also revealed that more Minnesotans approved of the state’s decision to legalize THC infused edibles, which was enacted by the state last year.
In September, a poll conducted by members of the House during the State Fair found that the majority also supported legalization. This legislature-run survey found that 61 per cent of Minnesotans support legalizing cannabis for adults.
The support for legalization was higher this year than in 2021 when the House Public Information Services surveyed fair-goers. The House poll in 2019 found that 56 percent supported legalization.
The Minnesota legislature has sent to the Governor a bill that outlines a comprehensive health policy. It includes provisions for the creation of a task force to study psychedelics and prepare the state to legalize them.
Last week, , the Governor signed legislation which contains provisions that legalize drug paraphernalia, syringe service, residue, and testing. This is a victory for harm reduction advocates.
A Strong Majority of New Hampshire Residents Continue to Support Marijuana Legalization, Though Opinions are Mixed on Governor’s State Run Store Plan
Photo by WeedPornDaily.
The article Minnesota Officials Look for Marijuana License Contractor to Prepare for Legalization Before Governor Signs Reform Bill first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
