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Wholesaler warns federal re-ban of low-dose hemp could shrink industry, municipal liquor sales
Summary
Michael Maxwell of Lunar Beverage told the council that a federal change would make low-dose hemp products illegal as of Nov. 12 (with possible short extension), which would disrupt supply chains and force many producers and wholesalers to curtail shipments into Minnesota; municipal liquor-store sales last year were $122,000 and are projected to reach $140,000 this year.
A Minnesota wholesaler told Saint Francis officials that an abrupt federal change could ban low-dose hemp products and shrink the market in ways that would affect municipal liquor-store revenues and local retailers.
"Low dose hemp, which is specifically sold at the Saint Francis Municipal, is federally legal right now, but will be federally illegal after November 12," Michael Maxwell of Lunar Beverage said, noting language that had been added to federal continuing-resolution text and an industry proposal that might produce a short extension to Dec. 12.
Maxwell said Minnesota law currently protects in-state producers and sets conservative daily-dosage limits, but interstate shipments from out-of-state producers would be blocked if the federal ban stands. He warned retailers and wholesalers that the industry could shrink, and urged city leaders and citizens to contact influential federal lawmakers, naming Sen. John Thune as a key target for advocacy.
Council members pressed for local numbers and the liquor-store manager said municipal sales of THC products were $122,000 last year (about 3.5% of total store sales) and the store was on track for around $140,000 this year. Councilors discussed whether to draft a letter or encourage personal constituent contacts to Washington; the mayor said he preferred that individually interested councilors email representatives rather than have an official city letter signed by the mayor.
