Minnesota’s top cannabis regulator gave a committee of lawmakers an update on implementation of the state’s adult-use marijuana law on Tuesday, touching on matters such as staffing up the new office and the forthcoming launch of a new business license application portal. But issues such as who would qualify for equity advantages under the plan drew ire from some Republicans on the panel.
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R), for example, questioned why proposed equity rules would allow people with past criminal convictions for selling marijuana to not only operate retail outlets but also receive social equity status in licensing.
“You’d think if we were trying to find a safe, regulated market,” he said, “that would be a surprising first proposal coming from the regulatory agency.”
Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) interim Director Charlene Briner responded by pointing out that she’s a parent of someone currently incarcerated on drug charges.
“I have a son who has been convicted of drug offenses and is currently incarcerated,” she told members of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “And while I will never defend his choices, I have to believe as a mother in second chances.”
“My hope is that as
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