Minnesota Legislature Approves Cannabis Reform Bill, Sending It to Governor Walz

The Minnesota Legislature has given final approval to Senate File 2370, a comprehensive cannabis policy reform bill that modifies multiple aspects of the state’s marijuana and hemp laws.

After the Senate and House both adopted a conference committee report today, the bill was repassed in each chamber—by votes of 34-33 in the Senate and 80-50 in the House. It now heads to Governor Tim Walz, who is expected to sign it into law.

SF 2370 includes a wide range of changes to Minnesota’s existing cannabis statutes. Key provisions include clarifying the responsibilities of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), adjusting regulations around hemp-derived cannabinoid products, modifying medical marijuana rules, and expanding eligibility for cannabis expungement and resentencing.

Among the most significant updates is the formal recognition of the OCM as a state agency with the authority to engage in government-to-government relationships with Minnesota’s federally recognized Tribal nations. The bill also amends medical cannabis law to allow greater participation by health care practitioners and makes technical changes to improve data sharing and reporting practices within the registry program.

For the hemp industry, SF 2370 imposes new labeling and packaging rules for edible cannabinoid products and limits on THC content in beverages. The bill prohibits synthetic cannabinoids unless specifically approved by the OCM and tightens restrictions on marketing and sales to individuals under 21.

Additionally, the measure allows THC product sampling at cannabis events under regulated conditions and refines standards for cannabis business licensing, including changes to social equity provisions and license transfers. It also provides statutory support for protections related to Tribal medical cannabis programs and visiting patients.

The legislation is a follow-up to Minnesota’s adult-use legalization law, passed in May 2023. That law legalized the possession and home cultivation of marijuana for adults 21 and older and set the groundwork for a licensed commercial market. Adult-use marijuana became legal on August 1, 2023, but legal sales are not expected to begin until 2025 or 2026 as the state builds its regulatory framework.

Governor Walz, who signed the original legalization bill into law, has been a consistent supporter of marijuana reform and is widely expected to approve SF 2370. Once enacted, the new law will mark another step forward in implementing and refining Minnesota’s marijuana legalization system.

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