This bill modifies various statutes related to medical cannabis and cannabis regulation in Minnesota. Here are the key changes:

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Transfer of Oversight:

   • Shifts oversight of the medical cannabis program from the Minnesota Department of Health to the newly created Office of Cannabis Management.

2. Health Care Practitioner Regulations:

   • Defines qualified Minnesota health care practitioners who can prescribe medical cannabis.
   • Establishes rules for their participation in the medical cannabis registry program, including reporting responsibilities.

3. Medical Cannabis Manufacturer Regulations:

   • Updates registration process and compliance requirements for medical cannabis manufacturers.
   • Requires manufacturers to contract with independent laboratories for product testing.
   • Allows manufacturers to acquire hemp and hemp products from state-licensed growers and processors.
   • Establishes security, transportation, and reporting requirements for manufacturers.

4. Patient Protections & Registry System:

   • Clarifies patient registration rules, including protections against discrimination for registry participants.
   • Strengthens privacy protections for registry data.
   • Prohibits law enforcement access to registry data without a search warrant.

5. Expansion of Medical Cannabis Uses:

   • Establishes that medical cannabis flower and other products may be available to registered patients.
   • Allows the Office of Cannabis Management to approve new cannabis delivery methods.

6. Licensing & Compliance Updates:

   • Revises licensing rules for cannabis businesses, including background check requirements for employees.
   • Provides procedures for transferring cannabis business licenses under certain conditions.
   • Strengthens compliance measures, including financial audits and pricing oversight.

7. Consumer Safety & Labeling:

   • Establishes strict packaging, labeling, and warning requirements for cannabis and hemp-derived products.
   • Specifies product testing requirements for safety, including limits on contaminant levels.

8. Tribal Medical Cannabis Participation:

   • Recognizes medical cannabis verification cards from other states or Tribal medical cannabis programs.
   • Allows manufacturers to sell medical cannabis to Tribal medical cannabis patients.

Repealed Statutes:

• Eliminates provisions previously managed by the Department of Health.
• Removes outdated definitions, including the "visiting patient" category.

Overall Impact:

• Strengthens regulatory oversight and legal framework for Minnesota's medical cannabis industry.
• Enhances patient protections and privacy.
• Expands access to medical cannabis products.
• Increases compliance and enforcement measures for cannabis businesses.

Would you like a more detailed breakdown of any specific section?