ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House approved a new marijuana law on Thursday, but questions remain about how retailers will obtain marijuana legally. Last-minute amendments advanced the deadline for preapproval of licenses to grow, distribute, and sell marijuana to August. However, the timeline for establishing a legal market remains unchanged. Under the new law, preapproved licenses would not authorize immediate cannabis cultivation. Final approval is not expected until next year, leaving tribes as the only legal marijuana growers initially. However, their capacity is insufficient to meet expected demand. Historically, most states that have legalized marijuana have faced initial supply shortages.
Some Republicans pushed to allow cultivators to start growing in October to address the supply shortage. “We should allow people to cultivate as soon as possible because right now the black market is running amok,” said Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine). Despite efforts, Rep. West’s cultivation amendment was unsuccessful. Another amendment to allow medical cannabis growers to sell their products in the recreational market for two years was also withdrawn. The bill also includes provisions for tax-free medical cannabis for specific diagnoses or with a doctor’s recommendation. Additionally, a study on the impact of legalization on cannabis use rates will be conducted in response to recent news reports.