OCM just announced a new survey, the 8th survey to be put out by MN OCM, 'to gauge the overall interest of people who want to enter the cannabis market, to determine what information should be required on applications, and to assess the probability of market participants being spread evenly across the state.'

The deadline is FRIDAY, April 19. Please take a moment to give your input here this week!

Anyone wishing to grow and process hemp in 2024 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30. More information can be found at the MDA website. It is worth noting that 'These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only. The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.' Adult-use cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website.

The Minnesota Department of Health says state inspectors have seized and destroyed about $500,000 worth of illegal cannabis products from retailers. If you missed it, you can catch a recording of our Panel from 'What to Expect When You're Expecting an Inspection'.

St Joseph, MN unanimously approved banning cannabis dispensaries until 2025. Businesses already selling low-potency hemp products are not subject to the ban.

Minnesota marijuana sales could be delayed or in short supply if planting doesn't start soon, according to this Star Tribune article. Charlene Briner, interim director of Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), addressed the issue during a cannabis conference and expo in Mankato on Wednesday. "We are acutely aware of the need to cultivate prior to opening for retail sales," Briner said. "We also know that we have a very real problem — we have no authority to actually allow people to touch plants until the rules are in place, unless the Legislature gives us some sort of specific authority or we can identify another mechanism to do that."

Floridians will vote on legal cannabis this November. The FL adult-use effort is led and funded by MSOs. Backers include Green Thumb Industries, Verano Holdings, Curaleaf, Ayr Wellness, Cresco Labs, and INSA. Jen's take: Expect large, vertically-integrated licenses and other handouts for MSOs - exactly what we fought in MN.

US cannabis industry added 23,000 jobs last year. The cannabis industry added 22,952 jobs last year (5.4% year-over year growth). Green Market Report discusses the signs of stabilization. Jen's take: the very significant additions here in newly-adult-use states help paint the picture of just how many jobs MN could see added in 2025 from legalization.

U.S. Congress: Lawmakers From 39 States Are Sponsoring Federal Marijuana Banking Act. Jen's take: I'd love to see SAFE Banking, finally.

This episode includes some legislative updates, talk of which cities are yay or nay about Cannabis, and Steve and Tanner chat with Shawn Weber of Crested River! Click the Spotify link below to tune in.

North Star Law Group is a proud sponsor of the Northern Lights Podcast!

Jen co-authored the Minnesota Cannabis Retail Training Manual with Tanner Berris of the Minnesota Cannabis College.

Retailers, ready to sign your employees up for a training program? (It covers the rules for selling hemp-derived cannabinoids in MN right now.) On-demand, about an hour, and get proof of quality training!

Minnesota Cannabis Retail Training Program – 2024 Edition (Online Course) | Minnesota Cannabis College (mncannabiscollege.org)

North Star clients get 50% off!

Jen and the North Star team (pictured above, Sean, Nicole, Kelly and Nikki. Pictured below, Sean, Nicole, John and Chris) attended Canna Connect 4, 'a celebration of growth, knowledge, and unity in our vibrant cannabis culture'. The team tabled the event and met with cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike. Thank you to The Wilderness for hosting this amazing event!

We attended the 2024 Minnesota Cannabis Growers Conference & Expo in Mankato this week. This event had an expo hall, great panels and more. We are looking forward to attending again in 2025!

Pictured: Sean at our booth (above) and Nicole with our friends Jamie Croyle of House of Oilworx and Veronika Alfaro of Mi Sota Essence, and they are the co-leaders of the Minnesota Womens Cannabis Collective (below).

One of the places we'll be on 4/20: The Nicollet Diner (and Roxy's Cabaret), 1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, are throwing this great party on their rooftop patio.

Here at North Star, we are optimistic that there will be a special licensing round in July for social equity applicants only. But WHO qualifies as a social equity applicant?

Assuming that the Legislature gives the thumbs-up to OCM's definitional changes as well as the July round, social equity applicants have to meet one of the three following prongs:

1) You or a close family member were convicted of possession or sale of cannabis prior to May 1, 2023 [note: this could be in any state, or federal, as I read it];

2) All military veterans qualify; or

3) You have been a resident for 5+ years of an area that meets certain standards for poverty or disproportionate enforcement of drug laws.

(The broad "emerging farmer" term is most likely going to be removed.)

Also, an entity qualifies as a social equity applicant if 65% of its equity is held by social equity applicants.

Do you qualify? Maybe? Reach out and let's talk.

Ready for a strategy session for your business?

Reach out to us at (651) 330-9678 or e-mail at jen@northstarlaw.com to schedule a free 15-minute initial consultation with attorney Jen Reise.