Hemp-Derived THC Corner
Hemp-Derived THC in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC market is changing fast. With new licensing requirements, shifting labeling rules, and increased oversight, businesses can no longer treat hemp as the “easy lane” it once was. Every retailer, manufacturer, and wholesaler must submit an application to the Office of Cannabis Management this October—or risk losing the ability to sell products starting November 1.
At North Star Cannabis Consulting, we help hemp entrepreneurs understand the rules, stay compliant, and avoid costly mistakes. From navigating licenses to preparing for labeling changes, we provide the guidance and resources you need to keep your business running smoothly in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Minnesota LPHE Licensing Opens Oct. 1 and Closes Oct. 31 at noon
OCM is accepting license applications for three new license types in October 2025:
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lower-potency hemp edible retailers,
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lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers, and
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lower-potency hemp edible wholesalers.
These licenses will replace the earlier registration system for hemp-derived THC retailers in Minnesota. However, conversion is not automatic. Each registered business must file licensure paperwork with OCM in October, or they will no longer allowed to be part of the hemp-derived THC industry.
At the close of the initial LPHE application period, OCM will being enforcement actions against unlicensed sellers of hemp-derived products, who have not submitted an LPHE license application, are not in the application process for a cannabis business license or have not successfully obtained a cannabis business license.
Deadline Alert: Hemp-Derived THC License Applications Due in October
The license application window for lower-potency hemp edible retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers will be open Oct. 1 - Oct. 31. In other words: if you want to continue to manufacture or sell hemp-derived THC products, you MUST apply for licensure in October (exception: folks who are in process to switch lanes and be a cannabis retailer, and that’s how you will sell hemp-derived THC products). Changes to labeling rules (no more QR codes?!) will also be painful for manufacturers.
Good News for Hemp: Federal Ban Off the Table (for Now)
Great news: the threat of a national ban on intoxicating hemp seems to have passed, for now. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) fought to get the ban removed from the U.S. Senate version of the Farm Bill, reports Marijuana Moment.
Texas continues to debate banning intoxicating hemp in the special session now ongoing. Jen’s Take: Texas’ special session may not get anything done, because of this. Let’s hope!
Labeling Rules Changing Again This Fall
Last newsletter, I broke down OCM’s transition rules as we leave Sec. 151 behind and the hemp industry moves fully into Sec. 342.
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Read the full guidance here, including the links to Conversion Guides.