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Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management sent this bulletin at 03/25/2024 04:45 PM CDT

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March 25, 2024

News & Updates

Learn how OCM plans to address illegal sales of raw cannabis flower

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will begin enforcement to prevent the illegal sales of raw cannabis flower across Minnesota. OCM has entered into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to add inspection capacity for illegal sales of raw cannabis flower. 

While Minnesota has legalized the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid consumer products, selling raw cannabis flower is illegal because OCM has not yet issued any cannabis business licenses. OCM has received complaints of retailers selling cannabis flower under the label of hemp flower, which is legal within limits specified by state and federal law. 

Read the news release.

2024 Legislative session under way

With the 2024 Minnesota Legislative session under way, the Office of Cannabis Management is working to advance a series of legislative proposals that will build upon the structure of Minnesota’s cannabis law.

The proposals are intended to strengthen the social equity provisions, improve the application and licensing process, streamline the supply chain, and ensure continuity and protections for medical cannabis patients.

For more information, go to OCM 2024 Legislative Proposals Summary (PDF).

OCM provides implementation update to Senate committee

In case you missed it, Charlene Briner, OCM interim director, testified before the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on Feb. 20, where she provided an update on OCM implementation work, rulemaking, community outreach, among other topics. She also gave a preview on what’s ahead for OCM in early 2024. Watch a video of the presentation on the Senate Media Services webpage.

Resources & Reminders

Engage with us!

OCM is out in the community and regularly participates in forums, meetings, and other opportunities that keep us engaged with our external partners.

Are you interested in engaging with us? Learn how your organization can request a speaker or presentation from OCM. We appreciate having several weeks advance notice if your request is associated with an event. 

Photo at right: In early February, staff from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and OCM teamed up to provide background information to potential social equity applicants interested in applying for a cannabis business license. Nathan Ratner, DEED legislative liaison, joined Sophie Leininger, OCM government relations director (center) and Merone Melekin, OCM outreach director, at the meeting in Minneapolis.

Dual Training Grant open for applications

The Office of Higher Education's (OHE) Dual Training Grant is open for applications through April 22. Application materials are available on OHE's website.

Employers or organizations acting on behalf of employers can apply in the seven Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline industries (including Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry). Dual training grants provide funding for employers to create new and/or expand existing dual-training initiatives.

Learn more at the Department of Labor and Industry.
For questions, contact Pipeline.Program@state.mn.us.

Ask OCM

Could I sell cannabis through a vending machine fitted with age verification software?

No. The cannabis law in Minnesota requires that once retail dispensaries are open, an employee of the cannabis business verify that the person buying product is age 21 or older.

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