Committee approves cannabis bill language extending workplace, housing protections for medical patients

The Judiciary Committee recommended that Senate File 2371, an agency bill from the Office of Cannabis Management, be returned to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee after members reviewed language that extends protections to medical cannabis patients and tribal medical cannabis programs.

Senator Dibble described the bill as part of a larger package and said section 10 (pages 7–12) contains protections within the judiciary committee’s jurisdiction. The provisions would prevent employers, schools and landlords from taking adverse actions solely because a person is enrolled in a medical cannabis registry program. The bill would also add remedies, including an increased penalty (testimony referenced a more substantial $1,000 per violation) and injunctive relief to stop or enjoin an adverse action, and it prohibits retaliation for asserting rights under the law.

Eric Taubel, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, told the committee the protections are meant to protect “status” as an enrolled patient: a person cannot be penalized just because they are in the registry. Taubel said the office receives regular complaints from enrolled patients about housing, employment and school problems and that the changes would let patients seek better remedies.

Committee members asked whether the bill would allow consumption in leased, multifamily housing and whether it would conflict with Minnesota’s indoor‑air law. Taubel and director testimony noted an existing statute prohibits smoking or vaping in multifamily dwellings but includes an exception for medical patients; the committee was told the bill would protect a patient’s status but would not override other contractual or public‑health indoor‑air rules that apply to common areas.

Action: The committee adopted the motion recommending Senate File 2371 pass and be referred to the committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.