The governor of Minnesota says the state is “exploring” how to respond to an impending federal ban on hemp THC products, which would be “very disruptive” to a “thriving industry.” And a top GOP congressional lawmaker from the state is also reviewing options to “support consumers and provide industry stability.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz (D) was asked about the recent enactment of a spending bill that contains provisions to prohibit most hemp-derived cannabinoid products, which is set to take effect next November. Minnesota has been a focal point of the debate, as it was among the first states to establish comprehensive regulations for hemp beverages and edibles.
“We’re exploring it,” Walz said. “This was a surprise to everyone that this would be in there. I think we have a thriving industry. While it’s new, we’re starting to see now that our regulatory process and everything around—and this is, of course, on the cannabis side of things, but hemp-adjacent—where we’ve had the opportunities” to roll out a legal program.
“It’s very disruptive. So I think at this point in time, we certainly welcome that industry. We welcome the work that had been done,” the governor said.
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