Minnesota's Expungement & New Medical Marijuana Plan, Nevada Disqualifies Cannabis Lounges, Connecticut Regulates THC Drinks And More

There’s been some interesting developments in the cannabis regulatory landscape this days. Here are a few.

Minnesota Missed A Spot

When it comes to regulating cannabis, you never know where the incongruence is going to appear. Minnesota’s pardons and record clearing have created a problem for social equity applicants. The law, which expunged low-level cannabis offenders, makes it difficult for applicants to prove their eligibility since their records have been wiped.

To address this issue, there is a new process allowing defendants to request expunged case records, although applicants are struggling to obtain the necessary documentation. The verification window closes on July 10, reported KSTP.

In other news, Minnesota's approach to medical cannabis has seen a significant shift. Legislation now empowers physicians to have the final say in recommending cannabis, rendering the previously stringent list of qualifying medical conditions essentially obsolete.

This change was prompted by Sen. Lindsey Port‘s legislative efforts.

Nevada Disqualified Six Cannabis Consumption Lounge Applicants

Six applicants for cannabis consumption lounge licenses were disqualified by the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB). These applicants, including NV Cloud 420 Lounge LLC and Lyxe Consulting LLC, sought licenses under the social equity category, reported The Nevada Independent.

The CCB did not provide specific reasons for disqualification, since they are dealing with confidential information, but indicated the applicants did not meet eligibility guidelines. In this case, eligibility included being convicted of cannabis crimes related to the war on drugs. Monday they were disqualified from the process. Four other applicants met the social equity requirements and will proceed in the licensing process.

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Connecticut Regulates THC-Infused Beverage Sales

Connecticut implemented new regulations for THC-infused beverages effective as of July 1, 2024. These beverages, including those with hemp-derived cannabinoids, are now restricted to adults 21 and older. Sales are limited to licensed establishments such as dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and package stores with an endorsement.

"The team at the Department of Consumer Protection has worked hard to quickly implement the provisions of this new law passed by the legislature, and communicate those changes to affected businesses," said DCP commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.

The law includes enhanced packaging and labeling requirements and aligns testing standards with those for other cannabis products, wrote Cannabis Business Times. The new rules specify that only licensed cannabis retailers and package store permittees may sell THC-infused beverages. After October 1, 2024, these beverages may contain no more than 3 milligrams of THC per 12-ounce container. The law also emphasizes responsible consumption, advising adults to store THC products securely and out of reach of children and pets.

Maryland Law School Launches Cannabis Legal Resource Center

The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the Maryland Department of Health have launched the Cannabis Legal Resource Center (CLRC), reported The Elm. This initiative addresses public health issues following the state's legalization of adult-use cannabis.

Led by cannabis law expert Mathew Swinburne, JD, the CLRC offers legal assistance to government bodies and community organizations. The center began its work by distributing a needs assessment survey to all 24 Maryland health departments to understand the impact of cannabis legalization on local communities.

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Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. This will have a significant impact on cannabis regulatory landscape. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.