Minnesota regulators voted to allow small amounts of THC in over-the-counter hemp products.
The vote, held Wednesday by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, follows a decision in late 2021 by a state appeals court, which said the distinction between marijuana and hemp stops at the plant. That ruling put in question the legality of products containing some THC – but not more than 0.3% THC, the federal limit for hemp.
This week’s clarification by pharmacy regulators was crucial, according to Minnesota Cannabis Association founder Steven Brown.
“The hemp industry is saved because of the ruling of the Board of Pharmacy,” Brown told the (Minneapolis) Star-Tribune.
The pharmacy board also expressed support on Wednesday for establishing a state cannabis office and for creating a path to allow CBD in food and drink, the newspaper reported.
Meanwhile, Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill to regulate THC isomers derived from hemp, such as delta-8 THC.