Minnesota Lawmakers Seek to Refine Cannabis Laws and Equity Measures
Minnesota is advancing with updates to its recreational cannabis laws through proposed legislative changes and calls for federal regulatory adjustments. State lawmakers are considering a significant overhaul of the current cannabis licensing system with the intent to promote social equity. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill, HF4757, that seeks to establish a more equitable framework for cannabis business licensing by shifting from a merit-based point system to a lottery method. This change aims to give priority to individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. The proposed legislation also reduces the mandatory ownership percentage for qualifying as a social equity business from 100% to 65%.
The bill includes measures to address potential market challenges, such as the allocation of nearly $80 million for regulatory structures, addiction recovery programs, and law enforcement grants. It also suggests adjustments to the Homegrow provisions and introduces a preapproval process for retail licenses that would allow businesses to start operations without a physical location. Additionally, it proposes to manage the hemp-derived market under the Office of Cannabis Management and addresses product supply concerns by permitting cultivators to expand growing space as needed.
Separately, Attorneys General from 20 states and one district are advocating for amendments to the 2018 federal bill on hemp regulation. They recommend rewording the legislation to close a loophole allegedly exploited by companies, leading to products that harm youth and cause poisoning due to poor manufacturing and misleading labeling. The collective aim of these officials is to strengthen state authority to regulate cannabinoids and hemp variants that may be excessively intoxicating.
The legislative efforts in Minnesota and the push by state Attorneys General for federal changes reflect an ongoing concern with ensuring public safety, fairness, and equity in the burgeoning cannabis industry.
