This bill, H.F. No. 1735, proposed in the Minnesota House of Representatives, aims to regulate the wholesale purchase and sale of lower-potency hemp edibles by certain liquor wholesalers. Key provisions include:

1. Authorization: Licensed liquor wholesalers (under Chapter 340A) are permitted to purchase and sell lower-potency hemp edibles.

2. Registration Requirement: Wholesalers dealing in these products must register with the state’s regulatory office by April 1, 2025. Selling lower-potency hemp edibles without registration is prohibited and subject to penalties.

3. Approved Business Activities: Registered wholesalers can:

   • Purchase these products from various cannabis-related businesses (e.g., cannabis microbusinesses, manufacturers, etc.).
   • Sell to authorized retailers and cannabis-related businesses.
   • Import certain hemp-derived edible products.
   • Engage in other approved actions as determined by state regulations.

4. Operational Standards:

   • They must keep accurate records and maintain proper labeling.
   • Facilities must meet state/local building, fire, and zoning codes.
   • They can sell other hemp-derived or cannabis-related products (e.g., hemp grain, hemp-derived topicals, cannabis paraphernalia).
   • Financial relationship restrictions per Section 342.23, Subd. 5 apply.

5. Transportation Rules:

   • Lower-potency hemp edibles must be securely packaged in tamper-evident containers.
   • Wholesalers must carry shipping manifests detailing transported items.
   • Vehicles involved in transportation are subject to inspection.

6. Importation Rules:

   • Wholesalers may sell hemp-derived products from other states if the manufacturing entity is either:
     • Licensed and regulated in another state with comparable consumer protections.
     • Demonstrated to follow similar health and safety practices as required in Minnesota.
   • The state regulatory office may revoke registration for wholesalers violating cannabinoid regulations in another jurisdiction.

7. Enforcement: The office has authority to:

   • Issue administrative orders.
   • Embargo products (ban sales of non-compliant items).
   • Impose civil penalties for non-compliance.

This bill seeks to establish a structured regulatory framework for the wholesale distribution of lower-potency hemp edibles, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and consumer protection standards within Minnesota.