(ABC 6 News) — Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry is officially one year in, but as it enters year two, business owners are facing a new set of rules and questions about what those changes could mean moving forward.
The number of cannabis plants in the state has jumped 575% over the past year, and a new dispensary in Lanesboro is just one example of Minnesota’s growing industry.
Since the launch of the adult-use cannabis market last fall, more than 375 businesses have been licensed, generating roughly $150 million in sales.
“We’ve seen a really incredible increase in the number of businesses that have become licensed,” said Josh Collins, the communications director for the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
For 5th Sun Gardens in Lanesboro, that meant expanding their existing business into a full dispensary and consumption lounge — one of just two allowed in Fillmore County.
Getting to that point hasn’t been without challenges, though. Owner Luis Hummel said there have been roadblocks along the way.
“I think the major challenges would just be the different entities involved, and the lack of communication of having something so new,” he said.
While getting the doors open was a major challenge, a new question now faces 5th Sun Gardens and other Minnesota businesses: what happens once those doors do open?
The answer to that question could depend on a federal change coming in December.
Starting December 11, products with more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per package, such as edibles and THC drinks, will no longer qualify as hemp under federal law. It puts them under stricter federal restrictions.
However, that doesn’t automatically make those products illegal to sell in Minnesota.
“Our legislature was really smart when they set up our legislation, and it does not tie the definition of hemp to the federal definition,” said Collins.
While the products aren’t automatically illegal, the Office of Cannabis Management said businesses could still face major challenges with payments and interstate sales.
But for now, Minnesota’s cannabis industry continues to bud.
“Think most of the roadblocks are gone where we can just have a good time, show what we’re offering, and just let it do itself its magic,” said Hummel.
To help local businesses learn about these upcoming changes, the Office of Cannabis Management will be holding a public discussion in Rochester on October 1.
You can find more information on that discussion here.
