Important information about events and cannabis

Minnesota’s cannabis law includes specific sections that make it possible to host an event, open to the public, where cannabis and hemp-derived edible products are consumed (see Minnesota Statutes, sections 342.24, 342.28, 342.39, 342.40).

The office will begin licensing event organizers under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342.39, this summer. Our Hosting Cannabis Events webpage includes key information that may impact where and if you can host an event, and what products or activities may be allowed at such an event. That information is also included below.

Key points: 

• You can host an event allowing for sale and consumption of hemp-derived cannabinoid products following the existing section 151.72 regulations.
• OCM has not issued cannabis licenses yet so no cannabis can be sold at these events.
• Personal use is permitted anywhere consumption is allowed under section 342.09. Other factors, such as the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act and Minnesota Statutes, section 342.56, subd. 1(b), may affect where consumption is permitted.
• Culinary events are not allowed.

Cannabis and food

There are currently no businesses licensed to sell cannabis. Selling food infused with cannabis is selling cannabis without a license, and doing so would place a business at risk of being banned from acquiring a cannabis business license for five years.

Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products are not considered food under state law (Minnesota Statutes, section 34A.01, subdivision 4). Combining any of these items with food is prohibited and would be considered an “adulteration of food.” For more information see Hemp in Food FAQs from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Consumers should also be aware that adding cannabis to food increases the risk of overconsumption. The amount of THC that an individual consumes is difficult to measure and often unknown or inaccurate. The batch testing and potency labeling requirements in law are in place to protect public health and safety. Infused foods are not typically compliant with these requirements, removing an important safety check.

Public consumption

Minnesota Statutes, section 342.09 regulates the locations where cannabis may and may not be used. Smoking or vaping cannabis in an indoor public space is a violation of Minnesota’s Clean Indoor Air Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 144.414).

Cannabis use is allowed only for those age 21 and over:

• At a private residence.

• On private property, not generally accessible by the public, where allowed by the property owner.

• On the premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption for products not requiring combustion or vaporization.

Minnesota Statutes, section 342.09, subdivision 4, prohibits the sale of cannabis flower and cannabis products “without a license issued under this chapter that authorizes the sale.” Retail licenses to sell cannabis will be issued this spring/summer. Moreover, while Minnesota has legalized the sale of the adult use of cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products, the Legislature added new statutory provisions, Minnesota Statutes, section 152.0264, making the unlawful sale of cannabis illegal.

With respect to both consumption and sale, any cannabis event would need to comply with the new cannabis law as it stands today, the existing laws on hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and any applicable local ordinances or rules related to events – in particular, those related to alcohol and lower-potency hemp products.

While gifting cannabis from one individual to another is permissible, any gift must be for no remuneration. Charging for items or services (such as delivery fees or items with cannabis included as a gift) is not permissible. It is also not permissible for an individual representing a business, or for the business itself, to gift cannabis.

Local considerations

The office will begin licensing for cannabis event organizers this summer. The requirements for licensure are detailed in Minnesota Statutes, section 342.40. Until then, there are no state licensed cannabis events and holding a cannabis-related event is likely subject to local ordinances and guidance.

Until the office begins to license cannabis events under the licensing structure, organizers of cannabis-related events should consider the requirements of the municipality in which the event will occur. It is recommended that you reach out to the municipality with jurisdiction over your event’s location to ensure that your event is compliant with all local requirements.

If you plan to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products for on-site consumption, you will want to ensure that the location of the event has an on-sale liquor license issued by the appropriate authority under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A.

If the event will feature retail sale of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, and electronic delivery devices, it may require a local tobacco license, under Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12.

Depending on where you host your event, you may be required to obtain local permits, insurance, and/or security.

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management