A new Minnesota law allows people aged 21 or over to purchase and consume food and drinks with a small amount hemp-derived THC. However, some legislators may not have understood the bill fully before passing it.
New law states that food and beverages must contain no more than 5 mg of THC from hemp per serving, and no more then 50 mg per package.
Minnesota still has a ban on marijuana-derived THC. However, THC derived primarily from hemp is legal. Although marijuana and hemp are both derived from the same cannabis plant they are grown differently. Hemp plants have high levels of THC while hemp plants have low levels.
THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical that causes the high of marijuana.
The nature of the Republican-controlled Senate, which has opposed recreational marijuana legalization efforts in the past, raises questions about whether the legalization was accidental.
Minnesota state senator Jim Abeler, a Republican hailing from Anoka said that he didn't know this law would allow THC-infused edibles. He thought it would only be applicable to delta-8 THC products.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Delta-8 THC is very similar to standard delta-9 THC. However, it has not been thoroughly researched or understood. Although delta-8 can be found in cannabis plants, it is only in trace amounts. Delta-8 does not produce the same "high" as Delta-9.
Delta-8, however, is federally legal. It is available at convenience stores and gas stations. This market was sought regulation by Minnesota lawmakers.
State Senator Abeler joked that he didn't think it was possible to legalize marijuana in Minnesota after an amendment was passed unanimously during the May Minnesota legislative session.
Rep. Tina Liebling from Rochester, a Democrat, laughed as Abeler continued to laugh. You have. No, just kidding. Okay, next we'll do it, okay?"
