Latest Minnesota Legislation Would Allow Hemp Businesses to Legally Market CBD Products
A new bill in Minnesota that would permit hemp businesses in the state to legally market cannabis and CBD products, including food and beverages, is headed to Governor Tim Walz’s desk. Recreational cannabis legalization did not make it through the Republican-controlled Senate this session, but this large-scale omnibus legislation containing the hemp protections cleared both the House and Senate. If Gov. Walz signs the bill it would make it legal for cannabinoids derived from hemp, including CBD and delta-9 THC, to be sold in topicals, foods, and beverages – as long as the THC limit was less than the federal maximum of 0.3 percent. For edibles and beverages the THC limit would be 5 mg per serving or 50 mg per package.
LA Modifies Cannabis Regulations to Speed Up Licensing
In April, Los Angeles’s City Council and Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) approved sweeping changes to the city’s cannabis regulations and ordinances. The changes were made to curb the growing frustration from businesses participating in California’s legal cannabis market. LA’s local lawmakers and cannabis regulators have also expressed criticism and frustration over the rules and regulations for the industry. Among the changes made, the most significant include a mandated timeline for the DCR to process license applications and a new window of time for verifying social equity applications.
Lawmakers in Rhode Island Pass Cannabis Legalization Bill
Rhode Island’s House and Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to legalize recreational cannabis for the state with a limited license and social equity-focused program. It is expected that Governor Dan McKee will sign the legislation. Under the bill, legal cannabis sales would begin on December 1st of this year, with current medical marijuana dispensaries being able to obtain hybrid licenses to sell to both medical and recreational customers. In addition, 25% of new retail licenses will be reserved for social equity applicants, including those adversely impacted by the War on Drugs. To oversee the program, Gov. McKee will appoint three individuals to be members of a Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). The CCC would regulate both the medical and recreational cannabis programs. An advisory board would also be appointed to provide recommendations to the CCC.
