Guest Post: Safe Work in Minnesota's Cannabis Industry

Navigating OCM Requirements

December 10, 2025

Worker safety in Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp industry is governed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Minnesota Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The rules are spread across several sections of state regulation, depending on the type of business. Below is a streamlined guide to the key requirements specific to worker health and safety.

GENERAL WORKER SAFETY (RULE 9810, 1102: CANNABIS AND HEMP WORKERS)

All cannabis and hemp businesses must:

• Provide annual training covering:

  • Standard operating procedures, including safety protocols

  • Emergency response procedures for fire, power loss, robbery, natural disasters, and workplace violence

• Comply with all applicable federal and state OSHA regulations

• Equip premises with a functioning carbon monoxide detection system

• Prominently display emergency procedures, including evacuation and shelter-in-place instructions

• Comply with Minnesota’s Right to Know regulation, ensuring workers are informed about hazardous materials they may encounter

• Provide workers with safe handling and equipment operation procedures

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES (RULE 9810, 2102: MANUFACTURING)

Cannabis and hemp manufacturing facilities must:

• Maintain ventilation and air-handling systems with temperature and humidity controls adequate for safe processing and sanitary operations

• Install lighting fixtures sufficient for safe manufacturing and sanitation tasks

• Provide hand-washing facilities in all areas where unpackaged product is handled

  
  

CONCENTRATE MANUFACTURING (RULE 9810, 2205: CANNABIS AND HEMP CONCENTRATE)

Businesses manufacturing cannabis or hemp concentrates face additional requirements:

• Electrical, gas, fire suppression, and exhaust systems, along with hazardous substance storage and disposal plans, must be certified by an industrial hygienist or qualified professional engineer

• Even if no solvents are used in extraction, concentration, or conversion, businesses must obtain an exemption letter from a qualified professional

WHY THIS MATTERS

Minnesota’s cannabis regulations highlight a clear priority: worker safety, hazard prevention, and compliance. Whether you’re running a cultivation site, retail business, or manufacturing facility, these rules ensure that employees are trained, protected, and supported with safe infrastructure.

This isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about building a resilient industry where safety and health are integral to success.

COMING UP NEXT

In future posts, I’ll explore:

• The most relevant OSHA requirements and their citation trends in the cannabis industry

• Key safety programs such as Right to Know, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Respiratory Protection

Stay tuned for practical insights that will help you strengthen compliance while creating safer workplaces.

Cathy Hovde is the Founder of Resilient EHS. She specializes in industrial hygiene and workplace health, helping organizations turn complex safety rules into clear, practical solutions. With experience teaching and consulting across industries, Cathy is passionate about empowering workers and employers to build safer, more resilient environments. To contact or learn more about Cathy and her organization check out her website at www.ResilientEHS.com.

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