Cannabis cultivators would be able to begin growing commercial crops starting later this year under a bill that passed through the Minnesota Senate on Friday 34-32.
The bill would speed up the process of getting cannabis dispensaries lined up by giving them a route to pre-approval of operating licenses. Lawmakers voted to allow the office to start issuing license pre-approvals this summer. Supporters say that would allow them to secure funding, rent real estate and take other steps to get up and running.
In less than a year, the state expects a broader array of cannabis stores to be up and running. Before that can happen, growers and distributors will have to get licensed through the state.
"This newly regulated, legalized and regulated industry is in its infancy, and we're here to continue the work we started last year," Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, said. "Like any new industry, it will not be fully grown on day one. This bill works to ensure a successful market launch and support the industry and Minnesotans involved in this industry as it grows and develops."
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