This week we're examining some of the issues surrounding Minnesota's new law that has legalized recreational marijuana.
As WCCO's Al Schoch reports, the retail situation for buying marijuana products is still evolving.
Local sellers of hemp-derived THC products in Minnesota are busy getting licensed to sell a stronger version of gummies, drinks, and other edibles. Minnesota Cannabis Association President and owner of "Nothing But Hemp" Steven Brown says local retailers may also soon be selling seeds for home-growing.
Brianna works at the THC Joint in downtown Minneapolis, and says they've been spending a lot of time researching suppliers.
"We are just trying to gather different brand ambassadors, trying to figure out where we want to get product from," says Brianna.
A big part of Brianna's job is educating people on the effects of THC, found in both hemp and marijuana.
"I think the main difference is going to be the potency level," explains Brianna. "It's definitely going to be less potent, coming from the hemp plant, being the male plant. But the female plant is definitely going to be a lot more potent. Just the difference in potency I would say. THC from the main plant can last a little shorter, from the hemp plant it can last a little bit longer."
The new Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is still being set up, as are the systems for both the commercial and home growing of marijuana plants in the state. Once that happens, retailers will have to follow the new rules when it comes to smokable marijuana products and marketing to kids.
Leili Fatehi with the advocacy group Minnesota is Ready testified before a Minnesota Senate hearing this Spring.
"And there is a prohibition in the bill on flavored smokable and vape-able products, since those are often targeted towards children," said Fatehi.
Other provisions in the bill address things like second-hand marijuana smoke and it's health effects, and making sure use of the drug falls under Minnesota's Clean Indoor Air Act.
In recent weeks, cities have been busy drafting their own ordinances and bans when it comes to using marijuana in public. A number of cities are looking at adopting such ordinances, including Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, Duluth, Rochester and Lakeville. The state law doesn't ban the use in public leaving that decision up to individual municipalities to decide.
MORE: See all of WCCO's series on Legalizing Recreational Marijuana here.
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