In a pivotal meeting held by the Minnesota Legislature's Conference Committee on S.F. 2370, discussions centered around the future of cannabis regulation, particularly focusing on the hemp industry and its implications for small businesses. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as stakeholders voiced their concerns and hopes for the proposed legislation.

Patty Gilk, a registered nurse and founder of Just Natural CBD Wellness, shared her personal journey and the impact of hemp products on her community. With three locations across Minnesota, Gilk emphasized the importance of maintaining access to non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, which she argued are crucial for many seniors who prefer not to navigate recreational dispensaries or unverified online sources. “Many of my customers are Minnesota seniors,” she stated, highlighting their need for safe, accessible products.

Gilk expressed gratitude for recent legislative changes that raised the limit on non-intoxicating cannabinoids from 25 to 100 milligrams, a move she believes benefits consumers. However, she raised alarms about proposed wholesale licensing fees and restrictions that could threaten her business's viability. “A $10,000 annual wholesale cost is an added expense that could limit our ability to provide the best products,” she warned.

Another contentious point was the proposed requirement to store all cannabinoids behind counters or locked up. Gilk suggested a simple amendment to specify that only intoxicating cannabinoids should be subject to such restrictions, allowing non-intoxicating products like CBD to remain accessible on store shelves.

The meeting also touched on the financial burden of taxation on hemp products. Gilk criticized the plan to tax non-intoxicating CBD oil at the same rate as marijuana, arguing that it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. “Stop taxing grandma's CBD oil,” she urged, calling for a reevaluation of the tax structure to alleviate the financial strain on consumers.

As the committee continues to deliberate on the cannabis omnibus bill, the voices of small business owners like Gilk underscore the delicate balance lawmakers must strike between regulation and accessibility. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the landscape of Minnesota's hemp industry, impacting both businesses and consumers alike.