Compliance & Legal

Layered on top of OCM's agenda are critical federal developments—chiefly the November 12, 2026 effective date for a new federal definition of hemp that would cap finished hemp-derived THC products at 0.4 milligrams per container, threatening Minnesota's estimated $180–210 million Lower-Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) market. An additional standalone bill, SF 4876/HF 4570, seeks to double the outdoor canopy limit for microbusinesses from one-half acre to one acre and remains in com

On April 22, 2026, the DOJ/DEA issued a final order that moves: FDA‑approved marijuana products, and Marijuana is handled under a qualifying state medical marijuana license from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA, effective immediately. Here’s what we know so far about the new federal medical cannabis / DEA rescheduling framework, the June 22 date, fees, federal grants, and 280E—with the important caveat that IRS/SBA implementation details are still developing.

In MN, all beginning inventory must be in Metrc within your first 30 days as either plants or packages. Seeds enter Metrc only as packages, not as plants. Plants always start in Metrc as “immature plant batches” created from those seed packages. You are allowed to keep seed packages in inventory and draw down from them over time; only the seeds you actually plant need to be turned into immature plant batches.

HF 1615 / SF 2370 (Ch. 31) requires the Office of Cannabis Management to deliver a proposal to the Legislature by January 15, 2026 on how to streamline the medical and adult‑use supply chains while preserving medical access (especially for rare and childhood diseases).​

Minnesota cannabis license holders are heavily restricted when it comes to gift-giving of cannabis or cannabis products to customers, veterans, and employees. Gifting is permitted under limited, specific circumstances:

If a licensed cannabis ancillary provider in Minnesota is discovered engaging in black market sales—particularly with evidence such as Venmo transactions—the consequences are significant and multifaceted under state law.