We all want the same thing. Which is a good thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is SotaCann a nonprofit organization?

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  Yes. SotaCann generates funding through membership and events to support the association and its members’ needs, and does not generate revenue.

• Do I need to be a resident of Minnesota to become a member?

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  If you are involved in the cannabis industry in Minnesota, we think you’ll find great value and success by association. Residency is not a prerequisite.

• Do I have to be a licensed cannabis business in Minnesota to become a member?

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  No. We believe membership provides valuable relationships, information sharing and strong connections that encourage mutual industry success. There are many allied support businesses and service providers or industry vendors that work in tandem with licensed businesses such as financial organizations, medical providers, security companies, law firms, contractors and suppliers that will never interact with a cannabis plant or product. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the association.

• How can I add my voice for sensible legislation and open communication?

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  It can start with educating ourselves with existing cannabis laws and regulations and staying updated with significant changes.
  Join advocacy groups such as SotaCann, which aims to promote sensible cannabis use, address social issues related to cannabis prohibitions and advocates for policy changes in Minnesota. Attend public hearings, conferences and register yourself to speak up, if public comments are allowed. Write blogs/articles, posts using social media inviting public opinion on such regulations can also be a good take on adding voice on sensible legislation.

• What’s different now between medical and recreational cannabis?

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  Medical Cannabis is provided to the patients enrolled in the Cannabis registry, with a qualifying medical condition, in the form of a pill, liquid, edibles, topical formulation. It does not include Adult-use cannabis products or concentrates or hemp-derived consumer products for recreational use.
  
  Adult-use cannabis is approved for sale by the Cannabis Management Office. For adult use, limits for consuming, purchasing, possessing, importing, smoking, home cultivation is already set by the state as per Sec 9 Subd. 1. These above-listed prohibitions, except smoking, do not apply to patients consuming medical cannabis.

• Why is cannabis available on tribal land?

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  The tribal laws will govern most aspects of the cannabis industry on tribal land. The State must negotiate in good faith with the Tribes compacts for regulating adult-use and medical cannabis industries.
  Source: Art. 6, Secs. 1 and 2

• What is the timeline to purchase cannabis products?

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  It will still be months before people will be able to legally purchase cannabis from a dispensary not affiliated with tribal land. The state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) must develop the application process that will allow groups to apply for the different types of licenses. Additionally, the regulations that will provide the operational requirements not spelled out in the law have yet to be written. Once licenses are awarded for cultivators, manufacturers and dispensaries, the industry will need to complete facility construction and prepare for planting the first plants.
  Section: Sec 27- Subd. 5
  

• How much cannabis can I purchase?

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  An individual 21 years of age or older may: use, possess or transport cannabis paraphernalia; possess or transport two ounces or less of adult-use cannabis flower in a public place; possess two pounds or less of adult-use cannabis flower in the individual's private residence; possess or transport eight grams or less of adult-use cannabis concentrate; possess or transport edible cannabis products or lower-potency hemp edibles infused with a combined total of 800 milligrams or less of tetrahydrocannabinol; give for no remuneration to an individual who is at least 21 years of age: (i) two ounces or less of adult-use cannabis flower, (ii) eight grams or less of adult-use cannabis concentrate or (iii) an edible cannabis product or lower-potency hemp edible infused with 800 milligrams or less of tetrahydrocannabinol.
  Source: Section 9 subd.1

• What kinds of products can we expect when recreational sales open?

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  Pre-rolls, Vapes, Vape carts, Dab Tools, Grinders Finished Food products which contains cannabis or concentrates, edibles such as candy, snacks, etc.

• Where is it legal to smoke cannabis?

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  The law allows a person to consume cannabis products in their home (including the yard area), on private property that is not generally accessible to the public (unless it is explicitly prohibited by the owner of the property), or at events that are licensed to permit on-site consumption.
  Source: Section 9-Subd. 1(7) Pg. 29-31

• Can cannabis be delivered to people outside of a dispensary?

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  While the regulations are still being written, the law that has been enacted does appear to allow the delivery of cannabis products to individuals outside of a dispensary.
  Source: Sec 35 subd. 3; Sec 11 b. (9)

• How will recreational cannabis use impact public safety?

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  There is a lot of speculation about what first responders will encounter regarding recreational cannabis use. Based on what has occurred in other states, there will not be any significant changes. In some respects, the fact that people can now obtain cannabis from a dispensary rather than buy it illegally will make it safer to buy. Since all cannabis that is purchased from a dispensary has to be tested for dangerous chemicals, mold, bugs, etc., people will know that it is safe to consume without risking exposure to some hazardous substance. Criminal activity around facilities in other states has not spiked. While there is always a possibility that people may drive under the influence of cannabis, those same risks exist with other drivers who consume alcohol, prescription drugs, etc.

• When does the license application process start?

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  For the purpose of Cannabis License Application, Applicant has to submit all the required documents to the office, which includes information such as Details of Applicant, description of business property, security/business plan, registration documents, attestation of Labour peace Agreement, responsible employees, Partnership agreement, proof of any previously/currently owned cannabis business in Minnesota, etc. After this initial step, Cannabis management office along with local unit of government will go through several compliance checks to ensure it complies with all the procedures and zoning ordinances.
  Source: Section 14 Subd. 1

• Are there special programs or classes I can take to educate myself?

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  After obtaining Cannabis license, a cannabis retailer must have to obtain a local retail registration as well. Here are several
  
  Government-aided programs:
  
  CanGrow Program: A program to award grants to eligible organizations, to help farmers navigate the regulatory structure of the legal cannabis industry, and help nonprofit corporations to fund loans to farmers for expansion into the legal cannabis industry.
  
  CanStartup: A program to award grants to nonprofit corporations to fund loans to new cannabis microbusinesses and to support job creation in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants.
  Source: Article 3 Sec 1, Subd. 1
  
  CanNavigate: A program to award grants to eligible organizations to help individuals navigate the regulatory structure of the legal cannabis industry.
  Source: Article 3 Sec 2, Subd. 1
  
  CanTrain: A program to award grants to eligible organizations to train people for work in the legal cannabis industry, and eligible individuals to acquire such training.
  Source: Article 3 Sec 3, Subd. 1
  
  Some Cannabis educational programs such as Model programs, Youth education, Education for pregnant and breast feeding individuals, Home visiting programs.
  Source: Article 6 Sec 7 and 9
  

• Are there any resources for potential licensees to help navigate the process?

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  Generally, the state government agency websites, such as Minnesota Department of Health, provide the roadmaps for processing the Application and licensing for cannabis business. They may also provide FAQs, Application Forms and guidelines, and contact information for further assistance.