In this premiere episode of the High North Minnesota Cannabis Report podcast, hosts John and Alex discuss the latest cannabis industry news in Minnesota. They cover the launch of the state's new cannabis regulatory agency, planned expungement of cannabis convictions, concerns over impaired driving, proposed home delivery rules, municipal moratoriums, taxation and developments with tribal cannabis businesses.  

 

Main takeaways:

• The governor is seeking a director for the new state cannabis agency to establish regulations and oversee expungement programs.  

• 66,000 cannabis convictions will be automatically expunged and 230,000 more will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  

• Police are concerned that current laws will make it difficult to prosecute stoned driving. The hosts criticize this as a fearmongering narrative.

• Planned cannabis delivery vans will be unmarked and no deliveries will be allowed after dark. The launch timeline remains unclear.  

• Multiple cities have banned or delayed cannabis sales through moratoriums.  

• A 10% cannabis sales tax took effect on July 1, on top of other taxes.    

• Tribal cannabis businesses may launch sooner as they can set their own regulations.

• Listeners can email any questions or interview requests to [email protected]