WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROJECT! Carpfish Creative works closely with local, regional and in some cases national partners in terms of advisors & consultants, lawyers and other canna businesses to help create a smooth transition into your canna business venture. From Initial Research all the way to daily ongoing operations, Carpfish Creative Advisors will put you on the best path for success. > Types of Canna Business License(s) available in your Area > What You should Be Doing Now > Determine Action Plan Needed To Win

Carpfish Creative specializes in offering tailored project management services for small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on high-risk sectors like cannabis, gaming, and hemp/CBD. Our seasoned team combines industry knowledge with strategic insights to help navigate complexities and ensure successful project execution. Partner with us to streamline your operations and drive growth in an evolving marketplace.

Meet with one of our creative network advisors to talk about the different tax credits that are available for your business. This session, approximately 30 minutes will get you the understanding on how you could earn money by hiring the right folks with WOTC. Online or In-Person (transportation rates may apply) Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Only 1 in 5.2 small businesses file WOTC tax credits. The government will pay you up to $9600 just for hiring a military vet who ends up working 400 hours in a year. What about a part time seasonal worker who does just 120 hours and you get up to $2400 back. Yes, this is all possible, but you only have 30 days to file. We will teach you how.

With more retailers and now outdoor cultivating planting for the upcoming grow season, May 11–15 is an event-heavy industry week in the Minneapolis Cannabis Industry, centered on capital, compliance, licensing, and market development, making it one of the strongest cannabis networking windows of the spring. May Cannabis Week at a Glance May 12–13: Flourish Investment Forum at the Minneapolis Event Centers, focused on founders, operators, investors, and industry experts, with programming around funding, compliance, and building durable cannabis businesses. The Flourish Investment Forum is two days of programming built around what moves the cannabis industry forward: funding, compliance, and building businesses that last. Hear from dynamic speakers, dig into high-caliber panels, and sit across the table from the founders, operators, and investors shaping what this industry looks like next. The agenda will sharpen your strategy. The room will change your trajectory. The event also includes curated networking and a private dinner on May 13. Get tickets for the Flourish Investment Forum. Prices for general admission, 1-day pass $139, both days $199. May 13 (Evening): Flourish Investment Forum's Networking Cocktail Hour and Dinner at The Glass House (Cost $99), downtown Minneapolis. Get tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com/flourish-investment-forum-ywrqzcyz/tickets May 14–15: NECANN Minnesota Cannabis Convention Located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, NECANN’s first Minnesota convention was built as a business-focused expo with education, networking, exhibitors, and speakers. Times are Thursday hours as 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Friday hours as 10 a.m.–3 p.CST. See educational session lineup here. Ticket Options through NECANN. NECANN Licensee/Buyer Pass Application. Limited number of 2-day, FREE passes. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be an owner and/or a qualified buyer (of cannabis products and/or ancillary services) at a licensed cannabis company. You'll need to upload a copy of your company's license, and your LinkedIn profile or other proof of position at the end of the application. Request your FREE 2 Day pass through the NECANN organization. 2-Day All Access General Admission. This ticket is good for both convention days with expo floor and programming access at a steal of a price of only $35. Click here to purchase your Tickets. May 14 (Evening): The Official NECANN After-Party at the Hook & Ladder Theater

Need to gain Social Equity Status? Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management now allows SEA approvals (typically takes 2-3 business days currently)? Visit Qualifications / Office of Cannabis Management. For the OCM programs, visit mn.gov/ocm/businesses/grants, and for DEED programs, visit mn.gov/deed. Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Grant Programs - LINK CanGrow (OCM-SEA approved status) — Currently Open Primarily focused on farmers/cultivators, so it has limited direct relevance to other licenses such as Manufacturing/Wholesale/Transport/Delivery licenses. However, if you have any cultivation component or are working with farming partners, this may apply. Technical assistance grants: $10,000–$50,000 for training and education Farmer loan financing: $2,500–$50,000 per individual (up to $150,000 with matching funds) Current deadline: June 1, 2026 at 4:30pm CST. Applications go through OCM's online portal CanRenew (OCM-SEA approved status) — Next Round TBD (Mid to Late 2026) Provides community restoration grants in areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Important caveat: CanRenew funds cannot be used for cannabis business operations or revenue-generating activities — it funds community-oriented projects (economic development, youth programs, violence prevention, civil legal aid). FY2026 allocation: $10.9 million total Tier 1: $2,500–$10,000 for smaller/newer organizations Tier 2: $50,000–$2,000,000 for larger projects The FY2026 application window was Nov. 2025 – Jan. 12, 2026 (now closed); watch for the FY2027 cycle updates (mid to late 2026). Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Grant & Loan Programs - LINK CanNavigate (DEED) — Active, Service Providers Selected DEED partnered with community-based organizations to provide free technical assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs navigating OCM's regulatory structure. As an SEA, you can access services from a CanNavigate provider (rather than apply as a provider yourself) at no cost. Total program funding: $2 million Priority is given to SEAs and disproportionately impacted communities Contact DEED or OCM to be connected with a local CanNavigate partner organization CanStartUp (DEED) — Active Loan Program This is one of the most directly relevant programs for you. DEED awards grants to nonprofit lenders, who then make loans to new cannabis microbusinesses, with priority given to SEAs. Program funding: $6 million allocated Priority given to social equity applicants. Limitation: Technically written for microbusinesses — consult DEED to confirm eligibility for other license types Access through DEED-selected nonprofit lenders, not directly from DEED CanTrain (DEED) — Workforce Development Grants to organizations providing cannabis workforce training. Directly relevant if you need to hire and train staff. Grants up to $500,000 per organization Next deadline listed as December 2, 2026 You would work with a CanTrain-funded organization for workforce development DEED Veteran-Specific Programs Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program - LINK Specifically designed for veterans starting businesses. Directly relevant to you as a veteran SEA. Interest-free loans of $5,000–$20,000 For veterans who were on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 Must have separated under honorable conditions after 181+ consecutive days of active duty Apply through DEED directly Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) - LINK One of the most flexible programs for veteran-owned businesses. Loans of $5,000–$150,000 for businesses at least 51% owned by a veteran (among other qualifying categories) Can fund startup costs, equipment, inventory, working capital, renovation, and site acquisition DEED provides funds through certified nonprofit lenders statewide Interest rates capped (not to exceed 4% over Wall Street prime) Available through lenders like Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, RAEDI, and others. What's Not Available to You SBA/USDA federal loans are unavailable for state-legal cannabis businesses due to federal prohibition — these apply only to hemp businesses with under 0.3% THC. Iron Range Resources (IRRRB) loans explicitly exclude transportation and retail cannabis operations from eligibility. Minnesota Department of Revenue does not offer grants for cannabis businesses; their cannabis-related programs focus on local government aid, which was actually repealed by the 2025 Legislature. Recommended Action Plan Grant Priority Program What to Do Immediate CanGrow Apply by June 1, 2026 if you have a farming/cultivation angle. Now CanNavigate Contact DEED to connect with a free CanNavigate service provider for regulatory guidance. Now Veteran Business Loan Apply through DEED for 0% interest startup loan up to $20,000. Now ELP (Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program) Apply through a certified nonprofit lender for up to $150,000. Ongoing CanStartUp Work with a DEED-selected nonprofit lender for microbusiness loan access. FY2027 Late CanRenew Watch OCM for the next application cycle (community-focused projects only). Need help navigating the grant process? Reach out to us at info@carpfishcreative.com.

Prepared for: Minnesota Cannabis Operators & Stakeholders Research Date: May 5, 2026 (We will update once legislative commences end of May. Primary Sources: MN Office of Cannabis Management, 94th Legislature (2025–2026) Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) entered the 2026 legislative session with a comprehensive reform agenda—six discrete policy proposals submitted as individual bills plus a landmark recommendation to merge the bifurcated adult-use and medical cannabis supply chains. These proposals are consolidated into the Omnibus Cannabis Bill (SF 4401/HF 4203), sponsored by Sen. David Dibble and Rep. Jessica Hanson, which cleared the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on April 7, 2026, and is advancing through the Senate Finance Committee as of May 2026. The 2026 session opened February 17 and is expected to conclude in May. 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 committee as of late March 2026. Section 1: Legislative Context and Background 1.1 The Regulatory Landscape Entering 2026 With the full launch of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis market in 2025, all three market segments—adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and hemp-derived cannabinoids—now operate under a single regulatory and licensing framework governed by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 342. By year-end 2025, OCM had issued 118 full cannabis licenses across all business types and granted approximately 1,405 preliminary approvals, indicating a robust pipeline of operators expected to come online through 2026. OCM has also noted that the state's total cannabis canopy currently stands at fewer than 400,000 square feet—less than 20% of the estimated 2 million square feet the market could sustain. In developing its 2026 recommendations, OCM engaged with partner agencies, legislators, federal partners, Tribal Nations, patients, consumers, and industry stakeholders. The six proposals target technical consistency, data practices, hemp labeling, cannabis business regulation, local government roles, and legislative reporting efficiency, while the seventh—the supply chain streamlining proposal—addresses the structural division between the medical and adult-use markets. 1.2 Key Legislative Timeline Milestone Date OCM Supply Chain Streamlining Report submitted to Legislature January 15, 2026 2026 Legislative Session opens February 17, 2026 SF 4876 (microbusiness 1-acre canopy) introduced March 26, 2026 OCM 2026 Legislative Policy Proposals document published March 2026 Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee approves SF 4401 April 7, 2026 SF 4401 (1st Engrossment) published May 4, 2026 Federal hemp THC enforcement effective date November 12, 2026 Supply chain changes (if enacted) anticipated effective date 2027 Section 2: The Six OCM Policy Proposals Proposal 1 — SF 4403 / HF 4199: Technical and Housekeeping Updates This bill brings consistency and clarity to the terminology and operational mechanics of Chapter 342, correcting gaps identified during the first years of implementation. Key provisions: Repeals M.S. § 151.72, the temporary hemp business registration statute, since all hemp businesses are now licensed under Chapter 342. Replaces "licensee" with "license holder" throughout statute for consistency. Establishes a six-month expiration window for "qualified applicant" status; OCM must deny applications from lapsed applicants (M.S. § 342.14). Clarifies that "Department of Labor" references mean the state agency, not the federal entity, and removes National Labor Relations Board violations as a cannabis license disqualifier while retaining other labor standards compliance requirements (M.S. § 342.16). Removes an ingestible hemp-derived consumer product category that was never approved and directs applicants to the established petition process (M.S. § 342.27). Clarifies that cannabis testing facilities and cannabis event organizers can "perform other actions approved by the office," aligning them with all other license types (M.S. §§ 342.37, 342.39). Exempts good-faith, fair-market-value transactions between cannabis and hemp businesses from certain financial relationship restrictions (M.S. § 342.23). Business Impact: Procedural and clarifying. The six-month "qualified applicant" expiration is the most actionable change—businesses with pending preliminary approval status must convert to "preliminary approval" within six months or face application denial. Monitor your application status closely. Proposal 2 — SF 4402 / HF 4200: Data Practice Updates and Clarifications This proposal restructures OCM's data request process to improve public access to appropriate information while protecting confidential business data. Key provisions: Clarifies which applicant and license holder data are public vs. non-public (M.S. § 342.20). Declares that all data reported through the Metrc/statewide monitoring system (seed-to-sale tracking) is considered non-public data. Makes an applicant's application status public, but preserves social equity applicant status as non-public. Business Impact: Operators benefit from the explicit protection of Metrc data as non-public. This eliminates ambiguity about competitors or the public accessing your inventory, sales, or seed-to-sale records through public records requests. Useful for competitive intelligence protection. Proposal 3 — SF 4429 / HF 4201: Product Labeling and Hemp Business Regulatory Updates This proposal makes targeted reforms to hemp business licensing and labeling requirements, with one transformative change for operators holding both cannabis and hemp licenses. Key provisions: Removes the prohibition on one owner simultaneously holding both a cannabis business license and a hemp business license (M.S. §§ 342.43, 342.44). This is a significant structural change reflecting the market's evolution. Allows hemp businesses to use a QR code to disclose source material information on lower-potency hemp edible labels, reducing label clutter while maintaining consumer transparency (M.S. § 342.63). Updates general labeling requirements for cannabis and hemp products to better reflect each product type. Defines labeling requirements for products using imported materials, aligning them with in-state products. Establishes that hemp-derived topical products must not exceed 0.3% THC (M.S. § 342.66). Removes the requirement for THC-free products to include the universal THC symbol; other label requirements (age prohibitions, etc.) still apply. Business Impact: The dual-licensing permission is the most strategically significant provision here. Previously, cannabis license holders who also operated hemp businesses faced a legal conflict. With this change, operators can legally hold both license types, enabling seamless integration of hemp-derived product lines into cannabis retail operations. For microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses, this opens the door to carrying a broader product portfolio without structural restructuring. Proposal 4 — SF 4540 / HF 4398: Cannabis Business Regulatory Updates This proposal is the most substantive of the six regulatory proposals, touching licensing flexibility, enforcement authority, environmental policy, and the operational framework for endorsements. Key provisions: Removes the requirement to acquire a new license when a business changes structure (e.g., converting from an LLC to a corporation, or facilitating a license transfer), allowing flexibility in business evolution (M.S. § 342.12). Strengthens OCM enforcement authority: OCM may now prohibit and take action against unlicensed sellers and deny licensure to applicants with previous license revocations (M.S. § 342.09). Bans manufacture and sale of cannabinoid products with embedded (non-removable) batteries, citing environmental disposal risks and worker safety. A transition period is included (M.S. § 342.26). This provision originated from a proposal by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Reorganizes the endorsement and authorized activities structure across all cannabis business license types for greater consistency. Critically, no substantive changes are made to authorized activities, and no canopy or manufacturing limits are changed in this proposal. Requires cannabis businesses to obtain specific endorsements before cultivating, manufacturing, or retailing (cultivation endorsement, retail operations endorsement, etc.). All cannabis flower sold to customers or patients must be pre-packaged. Establishes a new endorsement framework: OCM must deny an endorsement application if the license holder has had an endorsement canceled within the past five years, owes outstanding fines, or does not meet requirements. Business Impact: The business structure flexibility provision is very operator-friendly—it eliminates a major administrative and financial burden for businesses undergoing investment recapitalization, ownership transfers, or corporate restructuring. The embedded battery ban affects vape product lines significantly; disposable vapes are among the top sellers at dispensaries, and operators will need to transition to products with removable batteries during the transition period. The MPCA has been the driving force behind this provision. Proposal 5 — SF 4519 / HF 4202: Local Control Clarifications This proposal clarifies the relationship between OCM and local governments in the cannabis licensing process, addressing persistent ambiguity around zoning, registration caps, and compliance checks. Key provisions: Removes expired temporary local prohibition authority, as the time window for such prohibitions has passed (M.S. § 342.13). Clarifies that OCM may deny final license authorization if an applicant's location would violate local zoning ordinances, State Fire Code, or State Building Code (M.S. § 342.14). Refines the county registration cap framework: a county with delegated registration authority may now set a cap that accounts for city and township populations, preventing a delegating city from hosting retail locations beyond its own population-based limit (M.S. § 342.13). Establishes a statewide minimum access standard: local jurisdictions may not set a cap of fewer than one retailer per 12,500 residents, while still permitting more if they choose. Requires local governments to share age-verification compliance check data with OCM (M.S. § 342.22). Requires cannabis businesses to register with their city, town, or county before making retail sales. Business Impact: The clarification of zoning, fire code, and building code as grounds for OCM to deny licensure could create new friction points if local governments use these provisions as de facto veto tools. Businesses in the application pipeline should conduct thorough pre-authorization site assessments. The 1-per-12,500 minimum access floor is positive for markets where local caps have been unreasonably restrictive. Proposal 6 — SF 4401 / HF 4203: Increased Efficiency in Legislative Reporting This administrative proposal adjusts OCM's annual reporting requirements to eliminate duplicative obligations and improve data quality. Key provisions: Removes items from OCM's required annual report that fall outside OCM's jurisdiction, replacing them with a requirement for OCM to collaborate with other state agencies and local partners that collect the relevant data. Combines duplicative items and reports into a more streamlined structure. Business Impact: Minimal direct impact on operators. This improves the quality of the market data OCM publishes for industry stakeholders by ensuring data comes from authoritative agency sources rather than OCM extrapolations. Section 3: Supply Chain Streamlining Proposal — SF 4541 / HF 4397 3.1 Background and Legislative Mandate In the 2025 session, the Legislature mandated OCM to develop a proposal to merge the bifurcated adult-use and medical cannabis supply chains. Per state law (Session Laws 2025, Chapter 31, Section 107), the proposal must allow for co-location of cultivation and manufacturing, permit shared equipment, and preserve access to medical cannabis for patients with rare and childhood diseases. OCM submitted its proposal to the Legislature on January 15, 2026, following a six-month engagement process involving patients, businesses, advocates, Tribal partners, and agency staff. The proposal is organized around three guiding principles: (1) aligning with OCM's equity and public health mission; (2) protecting continuity for the 69,000+ Minnesotans enrolled in the medical registry; and (3) incorporating feedback from partners and data from the medical program. If enacted, most changes would take effect in 2027 to allow adequate transition time for OCM, businesses, and the statewide tracking system. 3.2 The Four Provisions of the Proposal Provision 1: Safeguarding Medical Cannabis Supply and Patient Protections Businesses with a medical cannabis retail endorsement would serve medical patients alongside adult-use customers without maintaining separate inventories. Requirements for endorsed businesses would include: Employing a licensed pharmacist or medical cannabis consultant for patient consultation. Establishing priority service for patients (dedicated lines, curbside pickup, advance ordering, etc.). Carrying all products identified by OCM as having high medical need. Patients would also gain access to specific medical cannabis products not subject to adult-use potency limits, and hemp-derived cannabinoids would be permitted in medical products. Provision 2: Encouraging Business Participation in the Medical Market The proposal removes the current requirement for separate medical and adult-use cannabis cultivation and manufacturing activities and inventories. For license holders who voluntarily obtain a medical endorsement: License Type Current Canopy Medical Endorsement Bonus New Total Microbusiness (indoor) 5,000 sq ft +1,000 sq ft (+20%) 6,000 sq ft Mezzobusiness (indoor) 15,000 sq ft +3,000 sq ft (+20%) 18,000 sq ft Cultivator (indoor) 30,000 sq ft +6,000 sq ft (+20%) 36,000 sq ft Businesses receiving the canopy bonus would be required to sell one-quarter of their additional harvest to other businesses with medical endorsements. Similarly, microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses with a medical manufacturer endorsement producing high-need products could manufacture 25% more than current manufacturing limits. Businesses with a medical retail endorsement could qualify for additional retail locations if all stores sell medical cannabis and some are located in areas OCM designates as high-need. Provision 3: Ensuring Fairness Between License Types The proposal equalizes authorized activities across all license types holding a medical endorsement: All retail businesses with a medical retail endorsement may deliver products to registered patients and designated caregivers—an activity previously exclusive to certain license types. Microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses with a medical endorsement may transport products to other cannabis businesses, currently only allowed for cannabis transporters and the medical combination business. This transportation authority extends to selling and transporting LPHE products to LPHE retailers and wholesalers. Provision 4: Creating the New Macrobusiness License Type To replace the current medical cannabis combination business license and align with the existing size-tiered framework, the proposal establishes a macrobusiness license: License Type Indoor Canopy Retail Locations Microbusiness 5,000 sq ft 1 Mezzobusiness 15,000 sq ft varies Cultivator 30,000 sq ft n/a Macrobusiness (proposed) 45,000 sq ft Up to 8 The macrobusiness would be the only license type required to serve the medical market, including obligations to: obtain at least two medical endorsements (including the medical manufacturer endorsement), and maintain retail locations in high-medical-need areas. Additionally, OCM would establish a petition process for microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses to request reclassification as a mezzobusiness or macrobusiness, with priority given to businesses with medical endorsements and equal allocation between social equity and non-social equity businesses. 3.3 Stakeholder Feedback Summary OCM's six-month engagement process surfaced both strong support and areas of concern: Supported elements: Removal of the requirement for separate Metrc instances and inventory chains for medical vs. adult-use. License reclassification pathway with equal access for social equity businesses. Addition of delivery and transportation activities for businesses with a medical endorsement. Areas of concern: Market oversaturation: Several partners flagged the proposed canopy increases and additional retail locations as potential drivers of oversupply in a still-maturing market. Canopy size alignment: Stakeholders debate whether the macrobusiness at 45,000 sq ft is too low (compared to the current medical combination business's 60,000 sq ft limit) or too high relative to other license types. Access to capital: Multiple partners urged that the proposal include grant or loan programs to help social equity and small businesses compete with larger operators, though OCM noted this proposal is policy—not fiscal—in nature. Priority service enforcement: Both patients and businesses acknowledged that further work is needed to define and enforce patient-priority service requirements. 3.4 Legislative Bill Status SF 4541/HF 4397 is incorporated as Article 3 of the Cannabis Omnibus Bill (SF 4401, 1st Engrossment), which has passed out of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and is before the Senate Finance Committee as of May 4, 2026. Section 4: Microbusiness Outdoor Canopy — The 1-Acre Question 4.1 Current Law and Proposed Change Under current Minnesota law (M.S. § 342.28, Subd. 2), a cannabis microbusiness cultivating outdoors may grow up to one-half acre of mature, flowering plants. Indoor cultivation remains capped at 5,000 square feet of plant canopy.SF 4876, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL) on March 26, 2026, and its House companion HF 4570 (introduced by Rep. Nolan West) would amend § 342.28 to double the outdoor cultivation limit to one full acre. The indoor limit would not change. OCM would retain authority to adjust the outdoor limit upward or downward based on market demand, but could not set the floor below one acre for newly issued licenses if the bill becomes law. 4.2 Legislative Status SF 4876 received its first reading on March 26, 2026, and was referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. The House companion, HF 4570, has been noted for addition in Ways and Means as part of a broader cannabis package. Critically: SF 4876/HF 4570 is NOT included in OCM's six main agency proposals and is NOT part of the Cannabis Omnibus Bill (SF 4401) in its current 1st Engrossment form. It appears to be moving as a separate legislative vehicle. The OCM's supply chain streamlining proposal (SF 4541/Article 3 of the Omnibus Bill) does include a related, but distinct, 20% canopy bonus for microbusinesses that voluntarily obtain a medical cannabis cultivation endorsement. 4.3 Strategic Significance For outdoor microbusiness cultivators, the difference between 0.5 acres and 1.0 acre of mature, flowering plants represents a potential doubling of flower production capacity. Given that Minnesota's total licensed cannabis canopy (roughly 400,000 sq ft) sits below 20% of estimated market capacity, the case for expansion is strong from a supply perspective. However, OCM's own supply chain report noted stakeholder concerns about market oversaturation, particularly from cumulative canopy increases across multiple license types. Section 5: 2025 Chapter 342 Changes — Cross-Reference The 2026 proposals build directly on the foundation laid by Laws of Minnesota 2025, Chapter 31 (SF 2370), signed by Gov. Walz and effective upon enactment. The major 2025 changes are summarized below for cross-reference: 5.1 Licensing and Market Launch Testing facility variance process: OCM may now license testing facilities with pending (not yet final) accreditation, addressing the risk of a testing bottleneck at market launch. Local registration timing: Local governments may issue a retail registration to an applicant with preliminary approval status rather than waiting for full licensure. Simplified application process: Duplicative requirements and the two-officer signature requirement were removed. Social equity criteria expansion: Expanded to include applicants with stays of adjudication or juvenile delinquency adjudications (Minn. Stat. ch. 260B). 5.2 Authorized Activities and Operations Event samples permitted: The prohibition on samples at licensed cannabis events was repealed; retailers may offer samples on-site at events for adults 21+. Transportation simplified: Removed the requirement for two employees per transport vehicle and randomized routing. Expanded business-to-business activities: Microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses may now purchase cannabis products, LPHE, and hemp-derived consumer products from other licensed businesses. Cultivators may sell immature plants, seedlings, and flower to other cannabis businesses. Municipal cannabis stores: Cities/counties that own a cannabis retailer may now also hold an LPHE retailer license. 5.3 LPHE Industry Changes New LPHE Wholesaler License: A third hemp business license type was created (joining manufacturer and retailer), with authority to import (via endorsement), transport, and buy/sell LPHE products between licensed businesses. Application fee: $250; license/renewal fee: $10,000. LPHE beverage serving size: Single-container beverages may now contain up to 10 mg THC per container and be labeled as one serving (previously required to be labeled as two 5 mg servings). CBD/CBG/CBN/CBC limits increased: From 25 mg to 100 mg per serving in LPHE products. LPHE delivery endorsement: New endorsement for LPHE retailers to deliver directly or through a licensed delivery partner. LPHE event off-site consumption: Retailers with an on-site consumption endorsement may sell LPHE beverages at off-site events (up to 4 days, requires local authorization and event holder's on-sale license). LPHE export manufacturing: Licensed manufacturers may produce non-Minnesota-compliant products for export to other states, with strict segregation and labeling requirements. 5.4 Medical Cannabis Program Civil and criminal patient protections: Anti-discrimination protections in housing, employment, and education were strengthened; injunctive relief access added; tribal medical patients included. Remote consultation authority: Ensures remote access for patients seeking consultation, particularly in rural areas. Tribal medical patient reciprocity: Tribal patients with documentation may access medical products at licensed businesses. Visiting patient reciprocity: Out-of-state medical patients with documentation may access medical products in Minnesota. 5.5 Cannabis Tax Changes The cannabis gross receipts tax was increased from 10% to 15%, effective for sales after June 30, 2025. All revenues are now deposited into the general fund, eliminating the separate local cannabis aid account, effective January 2, 2026. 5.6 Supply Chain Mandate 2025's Chapter 31 included the legislative directive for OCM to develop the supply chain streamlining proposal—the very report OCM delivered January 15, 2026, which now forms Article 3 of the 2026 Omnibus Bill. Section 6: Federal Hemp THC Limits — November 12, 2026 Deadline 6.1 What Congress Changed On November 12, 2025, President Trump signed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-37). Section 781 of that Act materially amended the definition of "hemp" under 7 U.S.C. § 1639o. Because the Controlled Substances Act excludes "hemp" by cross-reference to the Agricultural Marketing Act, narrowing the hemp definition pushes many hemp-derived cannabinoid products back into Schedule I status under the CSA once the changes take effect. Enforcement is delayed 365 days from enactment—making the effective date November 12, 2026. 6.2 The Three Key Changes Change Old Standard New Standard THC threshold type Delta-9 THC only, 0.3% dry weight Total THC (delta-9 + THCA + delta-8), 0.3% dry weight Per-container finished product limit No per-container limit 0.4 milligrams total THC per container Synthetic cannabinoids Legal if derived from hemp Expressly prohibited (delta-8 via CBD isomerization, HHC, etc.) 6.3 Impact on Minnesota's LPHE Market The per-container limit of 0.4 mg is the most devastating provision for the existing market. A typical delta-8 gummy contains 25 mg per piece; a standard hemp-derived vape cartridge contains 50 mg or more. Minnesota's LPHE products sold under Chapter 342 generally contain 5 mg THC per serving, with up to 50 mg per package. The new federal 0.4 mg per container cap would make essentially every commercially available hemp THC product federally illegal. Minnesota-specific exposure: More than 1,500 licensed LPHE businesses (gas stations, convenience stores, hemp shops, brew pubs) are currently operating. An estimated 1,658 LPHE retailer licenses have been issued. Minnesota's hemp-derived THC market was valued at approximately $180–210 million in 2025. 6.4 Minnesota's State Response OCM has indicated it will continue to implement Chapter 342 under current state law regardless of the federal enforcement date, as state law does not automatically defer to the federal standard. Key state-level responses in 2026 include: Gov. Walz signed a bipartisan bill extending out-of-state testing for LPHE products through May 2027, preserving limited in-state testing capacity for the adult-use industry. OCM reopened LPHE license applications in April 2026 after processing more than 2,200 prior applications. Target Corporation obtained 72 LPHE licenses in April 2026, establishing the retailer as Minnesota's largest LPHE license holder. The 2026 Legislature is considering whether to address federal preemption directly through state-level product protections—an unresolved legal gray area. OCM's 2026 legislative proposal (SF 4429) to allow the same owner to hold both cannabis and hemp licenses, combined with the supply chain streamlining proposal allowing LPHE transport under a medical endorsement, provides LPHE operators a structural pathway to shift operations toward the OCM-licensed adult-use market if the federal ban eliminates the standalone hemp retail business model. Section 7: Other Significant 2026 Legislative Developments 7.1 Cannabis Omnibus Bill — Additional Provisions Beyond the six OCM proposals and the supply chain bill, the Omnibus Cannabis Bill (SF 4401, 1st Engrossment) includes additional legislative provisions worth tracking: License denial for post-legalization illegal sales: Individuals convicted of illegally selling marijuana after August 1, 2023, are barred from holding a cannabis license unless five years have passed. Social equity license classification: OCM must formally classify and identify which licenses are designated for social equity applicants. State law protection: Licensed cannabis and hemp activities in compliance with state law are declared lawful and protected from seizure or prosecution. 7.2 True Party in Interest (TPII) Rules Rep. Nolan West (R) has proposed increasing the allowed percentage of overlapping ownership between adult-use licensees under TPII rules from the current 10% to 35%. As of March 2026, a legislative compromise was being discussed at approximately 20%. This would significantly affect investment structures for multi-license operators and investors seeking cross-entity ownership. 7.3 Possession Threshold Concerns A provision in OCM's bill would define possession of two times the legal possession limit as presumptive "intent to sell," with fines that could disqualify the individual from holding a cannabis license. Industry advocates, including SotaCANN have raised concerns about this provision's scope and fairness. 7.4 Cannabis Reclassification — Federal 280E Relief On April 22, 2026, the Department of Justice officially reclassified medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, triggered by President Trump's 2025 executive order. This removes the IRS Section 280E tax penalty, which had previously prevented cannabis businesses from deducting standard operating expenses (rent, payroll, COGS) from their federal taxable income. For Minnesota's plant-touching businesses, this is a transformative economic improvement that takes effect immediately and does not require state legislative action. Section 8: Impact Analysis by Business Type 8.1 Cannabis Microbusinesses Issue Current State 2026 Change/Status Business structure change New license required No new license required if SF 4540 passes Outdoor canopy 0.5 acres Bill introduced (SF 4876) to increase to 1 acre; in committee Medical endorsement canopy bonus N/A +20% (to 6,000 sq ft indoor) if supply chain bill passes Dual cannabis+hemp licensing Prohibited Allowed under SF 4429 LPHE transport (with medical endorsement) Prohibited Authorized under SF 4541 Delivery to medical patients (with endorsement) Restricted Authorized under SF 4541 Federal 280E Applies Eliminated as of April 22, 2026 Metrc separation (medical vs. adult-use) Required Eliminated under SF 4541 (if passed, 2027) 8.2 Cannabis Mezzobusinesses Same dual licensing, business structure, and 280E benefits as microbusinesses. Medical endorsement canopy bonus: +3,000 sq ft (to 18,000 sq ft indoor). Potential reclassification pathway to macrobusiness under supply chain bill. Manufacturing bonus: +25% above current limits with medical manufacturer endorsement. 8.3 LPHE Retailers and Manufacturers Existential federal threat: November 12, 2026 federal ban threatens the viability of all hemp THC products above 0.4 mg per container. Out-of-state testing: Extended through May 2027. Dual licensing: Can now hold both LPHE and cannabis licenses under the same ownership. Strategic pivot: The LPHE transport activity authorized under the supply chain bill, combined with dual licensing, enables LPHE operators to transition toward OCM-licensed adult-use operations before the federal ban takes effect. 8.4 Medical Cannabis Combination Businesses (Existing) Under the supply chain streamlining proposal, these businesses would be reclassified as macrobusinesses. The macrobusiness would be required (not optional) to maintain medical market obligations and would be subject to new canopy alignment under the 45,000 sq ft unified model. Controversy exists among current holders about whether 45,000 sq ft represents a reduction or improvement from their current split-canopy structure. 8.5 Cultivators and Manufacturers Cultivators may benefit from a +20% canopy increase with medical cultivation endorsement (to 36,000 sq ft indoor), with mandatory sale of 25% of additional harvest to businesses with medical endorsements. Embedded battery ban affects manufacturers of disposable vape products (transition period included). Cultivators now required to obtain a cannabis cultivation endorsement under SF 4540. All cannabis flower sold to customers or patients must be pre-packaged. Section 9: Key Timelines and Action Items for Stakeholders 9.1 Immediate Actions (Before July 2026) Check qualified applicant status: The six-month expiration for "qualified applicant" status (SF 4403) means any business with pending preliminary approval must convert to "preliminary approval" status within six months or face denial. Act immediately if your application is in qualified applicant status. Review vape product lines: Begin transitioning vape and cannabinoid product manufacturing away from embedded battery designs. The embedded battery ban (SF 4540) includes a transition period, but product development cycles require early action. Evaluate dual licensing opportunity: If you operate both cannabis and hemp businesses, engage legal counsel to restructure ownership to take advantage of the new dual-license permission under SF 4429 once enacted. Plan for 280E deduction benefits: Work with a CPA familiar with cannabis tax law to capitalize on the Section 280E elimination effective April 22, 2026, including retroactive implications. 9.2 Mid-Term Actions (July–November 2026) Federal hemp ban contingency: LPHE businesses must develop a contingency plan for November 12, 2026. Options include: transitioning to an OCM-licensed adult-use dispensary model (requires cannabis licensure), divesting hemp THC product lines, lobbying for federal legislative intervention, or exploring state preemption litigation. Medical endorsement strategy: Evaluate whether obtaining a medical cannabis endorsement makes operational sense given the 20% canopy bonus (if the supply chain bill passes) and access to delivery and transport activities—weighed against obligations such as priority patient service, mandatory high-need product carrying, and harvest sale requirements. Track SF 4876 (1-acre outdoor canopy): Monitor the bill's progress in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and whether it is picked up as an amendment to the House Ways and Means cannabis package. Outdoor microbusiness cultivators should plan both with and without this provision. 9.3 Long-Term Positioning (2027 and Beyond) Macrobusiness reclassification: If the supply chain streamlining bill (SF 4541) passes, plan for the 2027 implementation timeline. OCM will need to build the endorsement infrastructure and update Metrc; businesses holding current medical cannabis combination licenses should engage early with OCM's implementation process. Metrc unified instance: The removal of separate Metrc instances for medical and adult-use operations (if supply chain bill passes) will require operational changes to inventory management protocols. Begin planning with your compliance team now for a 2027 transition. License reclassification petition: Under the supply chain proposal, OCM will establish a petition process for microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses to reclassify. Priority will be given to businesses with medical endorsements and equitably split between social equity and non-social equity operators. Begin evaluating whether reclassification aligns with your growth strategy. Section 10: Partner Agency and Legislator Notes Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) The MPCA is the originating partner agency behind the embedded battery ban provision in SF 4540. The agency's concern centers on disposable vapes leaching chemicals into landfills and creating worker hazard during disposal. Industry groups including SotaCANN oppose the ban on the grounds that black-market sellers will continue selling disposable vapes while licensed businesses lose competitive products. The MPCA's environmental mandate gives this provision strong administrative support, making passage likely. Key Legislative Authors Legislator Role Sen. David Dibble (DFL) Lead author, SF 4401 Omnibus Cannabis Bill; SF 4540, SF 4403, SF 4402, SF 4519, SF 4401, SF 4541 Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL) Co-author, SF 4401; author, SF 4876 (1-acre outdoor canopy); SF 4429 Sen. Matt Klein (DFL) Co-author, SF 4429 Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL) Lead House author, HF 4199–HF 4203 Rep. Nolan West (R) Author, HF 4570 (companion to SF 4876 on outdoor canopy); TPII 10→35% proposal Cannabis Advisory Council OCM regularly presented developing proposals to the Cannabis Advisory Council throughout the fall 2025 engagement process, and the Council's feedback shaped the supply chain streamlining framework and medical endorsement structure. Appendix: Bill Reference Table Bill Number Topic Status (as of May 2026) SF 4403 / HF 4199 Technical/Housekeeping In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4402 / HF 4200 Data Practices In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4429 / HF 4201 Product Labeling & Hemp Regulatory In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4540 / HF 4398 Cannabis Business Regulatory In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4519 / HF 4202 Local Control In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4401 / HF 4203 Legislative Reporting Efficiency In Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4541 / HF 4397 Supply Chain Streamlining Article 3, Omnibus (SF 4401) SF 4401 (Omnibus) All above consolidated Passed Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Finance Committee SF 4876 / HF 4570 Microbusiness 1-Acre Outdoor Canopy Senate: Referred to Commerce Committee (3/26/26); House: Ways & Means (pending) Federal P.L. 119-37, Sec. 781 Hemp Definition / 0.4 mg THC Container Limit Enacted Nov. 12, 2025; Enforcement effective Nov. 12, 2026 This report is for informational and strategic planning purposes. It reflects the state of legislation as of May 5, 2026, and is subject to change as the 2026 Minnesota legislative session concludes. Consult legal counsel for application to specific business circumstances.

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