A passionate plea for the future of Minnesota's medical cannabis program took center stage during the recent Conference Committee on S.F. 2370. Advocates voiced urgent concerns about the program's viability, emphasizing that it is "on life support" and in desperate need of reform.

One key speaker, who has been a long-time advocate for medical cannabis, highlighted the failures of the current system, stating that high prices and limited consumer choice have crippled the market. "We need to support medical cannabis manufacturers by easing canopy size, removing the canopy ratio, and unifying the supply chain," they urged. The speaker warned that without these changes, the medical cannabis market could collapse, jeopardizing access for vulnerable patients who rely on these medications.

Another advocate, Joshua Consignment, owner of Legacy Glassworks and Legacy Cannabis, echoed these sentiments, praising the omnibus cannabis bill for its potential to support small businesses and protect patients. He pointed out a significant hurdle: the current law requiring cannabis testing labs to be accredited, a process that can take over a year. "Without this, we could very well be over a year from dispensaries opening," he cautioned, stressing the urgency of the situation.

The discussions underscored a critical moment for Minnesota's cannabis landscape, with advocates calling for immediate action to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need. As the state prepares for a summer launch of the new cannabis marketplace, the pressure is on lawmakers to implement necessary reforms and safeguard the future of medical cannabis in Minnesota.