Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management Hosts Listening Session at MSU-Mankato
On July 30, 2026, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) held a listening session at Minnesota State University’s campus in Mankato. The event aimed to gather input from community members, cannabis business owners, and industry experts on various issues affecting the industry.
The packed session at Centennial Hall was attended by business owners from across south-central Minnesota, who raised concerns and asked questions about quality assurance, supply chain issues, product research, and changing sample sizes for testing. They also discussed the impact of a new federal ban on hemp products, set to take effect on November 12.
One of the main concerns raised was the minimum sample size requirements for cannabis products. According to Cat Franklin, owner of Cat Seven Consulting, the current 40-gram requirement for products under 12 kilograms can be detrimental to smaller businesses, which may struggle to maintain profitability due to the significant amount of product needed for testing.
Ryan Rutjes, who works with Strains of Earth in Jordan, expressed concern about the scarcity of vape products in a growing market. He emphasized the need for a more reliable supply chain to meet the increasing demand.
The listening session aimed to bring stakeholders together to address these issues and ensure a harmonious and profitable cannabis industry in Minnesota. By hearing from the community and industry experts, the OCM can work towards creating a more effective and sustainable regulatory environment.
