What happened?

On May 24, 2025, Minnesota enacted significant updates to its cannabis laws, expanding protections for individuals and clarifying rules for businesses, employers, and medical cannabis patients.

Overview:

Minnesota has expanded its cannabis laws to strengthen protections for individuals and streamline cannabis-related business and regulatory processes, including:

• Employment and Discrimination Protections
  
  • Employers cannot fire or penalize employees solely for testing positive for THC.
  • If adverse action is necessary (e.g., to comply with federal law), employers must provide 14 days’ written notice, citing the specific law and potential loss of funding or licensing.
  • Tribal medical cannabis program patients now receive the same anti-discrimination protections as state-registered patients.

• Medical Cannabis Access
  
  • Tribal and out-of-state patients can purchase medical cannabis in Minnesota.
  • Home delivery of medical cannabis is now allowed.
  • Schools and landlords cannot discriminate against medical cannabis patients.
  • Health care facilities may set reasonable restrictions but cannot ban use solely due to federal classification.
  • Caregivers may grow cannabis for patients they assist.

• Hemp and Edible Cannabinoid Products
  
  • THC beverages may contain up to 10 mg per serving.
  • CBD and minor cannabinoids limit increased to 100 mg per serving.
  • Enhanced packaging and labeling standards.
  • On-site consumption and product sampling at events are now permitted under specific conditions.

• New Licenses and Business Opportunities
  
  • Introduced a lower-potency hemp edible wholesaler license.
  • Created delivery-only and exporter endorsements for hemp products.
  • Transporter endorsements now required for hemp product logistics.

• Expanded Business Operations
  
  • Microbusinesses and mezzo businesses can purchase from more suppliers.
  • Cities and counties may operate cannabis stores and hold licenses.
  • Testing labs may operate while awaiting accreditation.

• Criminal Justice Reforms
  
  • Expungement eligibility expanded to include felony cannabis offenses and dismissed charges.
  • The Cannabis Expungement Board can initiate expungements and resentencing.
  • Expungement is presumed to be in the public interest unless public safety concerns are proven.

• Regulatory Oversight
  
  • The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) now oversees all cannabis regulation, including medical cannabis.
  • OCM must submit a plan by January 15, 2026, to streamline the cannabis supply chain while preserving access for rare and childhood diseases.

Source References

• Minnesota SF 2370 – Omnibus Cannabis Policy Bill
• Minnesota Cannabis Omnibus Press Release
• Minnesota House Press Release

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