Regulators in Minnesota are seeking public input as they begin the process of crafting rules for the state’s new marijuana industry, hoping to hear from “the widest possible range of community members, advocates, and partners who want to help shape how the rules are drafted,” according to the website.
This marks an important step to create a safe, accessible and reliable cannabis industry for Minnesotans 21 and older who choose to consume. As part of the first phase of engagement, OCM will gather input from an online survey that was released on Monday that includes questions on cannabis cultivation, processing and manufacturing.
The Future Regulation of Cannabis Businesses
The first topic areas reflect the necessary industry components to help ensure that the state can meet supply and demand once the market opens. Helpful input includes comments and suggestions related to the future regulation of cannabis businesses within the state.
The initial survey will be available for responses through November 30, with OCM saying that it “wants to hear from a wide range of people throughout this rulemaking process.”
Here are some areas that OCM wishes to address through rulemaking:
- Licensing – license types, forms, procedures, required disclosures, felony disqualifications, limits on licenses held
- Social equity considerations
- Manufacturing and retail (facilities and operations)
- Packaging and labeling
- Testing (laboratory approval, sampling, protocols, and standards)
- Expedited complaint process (for local governments)
- Integrated cannabis tracking, inventory, and verification system
- Environmental controls (odor limits, water use, energy use, solid waste disposal)
- Use of pesticides and fertilizers
- Others
OCM will offer other opportunities to be involved in the rulemaking process through in-person and virtual meetings. Those will be announced in the coming months. Once rules are formally proposed, people interested in providing feedback will be able to submit formal comment. That process is expected to take place in the fall of 2024.
