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House approves cannabis maintenance package, renames medical combo licenses as 'macro' and removes ratio
Summary
The House passed Senate File 4401, a package of technical and policy changes for Minnesota’s cannabis industry that renames medical-combination licenses as "macro" licenses, eliminates the mandated grow‑to‑sale ratio over time, creates pathways for hemp businesses to enter cannabis, and launches initial steps toward a medical psilocybin program; vote was 92‑42.
Representative Hansen (author) described the bill as a largely maintenance and stakeholder-driven package crafted with more than 80 participants. The proposal includes business‑facing fixes (allowing limited sale of noncannabis equipment between businesses), data protections for applicants, temporary transporter relief, revival of QR codes for hemp packaging, investor‑friendly changes, and a path for hemp businesses to transition into cannabis.
On the medicinal side, Hansen described renaming medical‑combination licenses to "macro" licenses and eliminating the previously mandated grow‑to‑sale ratio beginning Jan. 1, 2027. She said the bill "right sizes" canopy limits based on empirical data, requires certain product availability standards and testing speedups to avoid bottlenecks, and contains provisions to limit oversaturation by tying caps to market need and operator experience.
Supporters emphasized access to capital and stability for social equity applicants; Representative West said the bill "opens up a door" for investors and warned that abrupt midstream rule changes could invite litigation, calling the canopy approach ‘‘a terrible system’’ that needs correction. Hansen also said the bill launches an initial step toward a medical and medicinal psilocybin program, including a report to prepare for future rulemaking and a directive to pursue federal funding.
The clerk called the roll for the third reading; the bill passed on the recorded vote with 92 ayes and 42 nays and the title was agreed to. The bill will proceed through final legislative steps for enrollment and transmittal.
