Minnesota State Representatives Nolan West (R) and Keith Allen (R) have filed legislation that would allow marijuana businesses to significantly expand their cultivation capacity.
House Bill 2426, which has been referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, would amend state law to increase the allowable plant canopy for licensed medical cannabis combination businesses from 60,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet.
Under the bill, businesses would also be allowed to request canopy increases beyond the new limit by demonstrating market need, compliance with state rules, and cultivation capacity.
The proposal would additionally authorize qualifying businesses to grow marijuana for the adult-use market in an area equal to half of what they used for medical cultivation the prior year, with the possibility of further expansion if medical sales increase.
House Bill 2426 would also repeal a provision that currently allows the Office of Cannabis Management to limit manufacturing based on cultivation size, giving businesses more flexibility.
The legislation is supported by members of both parties and would take effect the day after it’s signed into law.
