Although stores in Minnesota are allowed to sell hemp derived products, retailers cannot sell raw cannabis flower until the Office of Cannabis Management issues a license.
Until then, they're making sure everyone is in compliance of the law. Notifications were sent to all retailers last week.
"There's actually inspectors who are out right now regulating the hemp-derived products that you see on shelves all over the state, the edibles and the beverages and along with those compliance inspections, they'll also now be taking a look at the raw flower," says Office of Cannabis Management's Charlene Briner.
They've already received some complaints.
"From consumers and from other businesses who have let us know that there are operators who are engaged in illegal sales," she says. "The Office of Cannabis Management has not yet issued licenses for cultivators, manufacturers or retailers to sell cannabis," says Briner. "Eventually, once our regulations are in place, we'll be issuing those licenses."
The penalty is severe too.
"The legislature and the governor, when he signed the bill, gave us the authority to enact fines of up to a million dollars," Brinder says.
She adds that inspectors are currently checking to make sure only hemp derived products are being sold and that they're in compliance with the law.
The priority is to have a safe regulated market. Briner says the goal is to issue licenses by early 2025.