Minnesota sellers warned about selling cannabis flower as hemp

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the state agency that oversees the regulation of cannabis in Minnesota, has issued a warning to cannabis sellers about selling high-THC cannabis flower under the guise of legal hemp flower. The warning, which was sent to state-registered cannabis product sellers on Thursday, March 7, 2024, says that the OCM has received complaints that some shops are selling cannabis flower that contains more than 0.3% THC, the legal limit for hemp, and labeling it as hemp flower.

The warning says that selling cannabis flower that exceeds the legal limit for hemp is a violation of the state’s cannabis laws, and that the OCM will work with the Department of Health and the law enforcement agencies to inspect and test the products sold by the shops. The warning also says that if a shop is found to be selling illegal cannabis flower, the OCM can impose a fine of up to $1 million, revoke the shop’s license, and refer the case to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution.

The warning comes as the state prepares to launch its recreational cannabis program

The warning comes as the state prepares to launch its recreational cannabis program, which was approved by the voters in November 2023, and which allows adults 21 and older to possess, use, grow, and purchase cannabis and cannabis products. The program, which is expected to start issuing licenses and permits to cannabis businesses by June 7, 2024, and to allow sales by September 7, 2024, will be regulated by the OCM, which was created by the Legislature in 2023.

The OCM says that the warning is a precautionary measure, as the state has not yet finalized the rules and guidelines for the recreational cannabis program, and as the state still prohibits the sale of cannabis flower, except for medical purposes. The OCM says that the warning is also a response to the public health and safety concerns, as the cannabis flower sold by some shops may contain high levels of THC, which can cause intoxication, impairment, and adverse effects, especially for inexperienced or underage users.

The OCM says that it supports the legal and responsible use of cannabis, and that it does not intend to ban or limit the sale of hemp flower, which is a legitimate and lawful product under the state’s hemp program, which is regulated by the Department of Agriculture. The OCM says that it only wants to ensure that the products sold by the shops are compliant with the state’s laws, and that the consumers are informed and protected.

The warning sparks mixed reactions from the cannabis industry and the consumers

The warning sparks mixed reactions from the cannabis industry and the consumers, who have different views and opinions on the issue of cannabis flower and hemp flower. Some of the reactions are:

• The cannabis sellers, who say that they are following the state’s laws, and that they are selling hemp flower that contains less than 0.3% THC, as verified by third-party lab tests. They say that they are providing a service and a product that is in high demand and that is beneficial for the consumers, especially for those who use cannabis for medical or wellness purposes. They say that they are not trying to deceive or harm anyone, and that they are transparent and honest about their products.
• The cannabis consumers, who say that they are happy and satisfied with the hemp flower sold by the shops, and that they prefer it over the processed cannabis products, such as oils, edibles, or vapes. They say that hemp flower is more natural, more affordable, more effective, and more enjoyable than the other products, and that it helps them with various conditions, such as pain, anxiety, insomnia, or depression. They say that they are aware and careful about the THC content and the dosage of the hemp flower, and that they do not experience any negative effects or problems.
• The public health advocates and the law enforcement officials, who say that they are concerned and alarmed by the sale of cannabis flower as hemp flower, and that they suspect that some shops are selling illegal and unregulated cannabis flower that contains more than 0.3% THC. They say that cannabis flower is a dangerous and addictive substance, that can cause addiction, psychosis, lung damage, and other health issues, and that can impair driving, learning, and memory. They say that cannabis flower is also a gateway drug, that can lead to the use of other illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine.