Delays, Frays & Power Plays
This week’s issue includes: medical cannabis frustrations, Minneapolis’ cannabis-friendly shift on zoning, and the newest municipal bag of beans
The Pre-Roll curates the most important cannabis news and developments at the intersection of policy, politics, and industry development. With over 3,100 subscribers, the Pre-Roll is Minnesota’s premier source for cannabis-related information and intelligence.
The Pre-Roll is written by Blunt Strategies, Minnesota’s first and only full-service strategic consultancy cultivated exclusively for the cannabis industry.
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The first three sections of The Pre-Roll (Announcements, Top 5 Must-Reads, and Upcoming Events) are always free to access, but the most in-depth legislative and agency updates, industry news and intelligence, and expert insights and analysis are reserved for our paid subscribers. To unlock the full edition and stay ahead of the curve, click the button below and upgrade your subscription today.
Announcements
We’re thrilled to share that The Pre-Roll has now surpassed 3,100 subscribers and has received over 6,000 page views in the past month. Our email open rate is an impressive 35%, showing just how engaged our community is with the latest cannabis industry news and insights. If you're interested in sponsoring and getting your brand in front of Minnesota’s most engaged cannabis audience, contact us at preroll@bluntstrategies.com.
MN Cann Political Action is working to ensure Minnesota keeps a pro-cannabis majority in the state legislature—one that will continue advancing criminal justice reforms and supporting an equitable, sustainable cannabis industry. We can’t afford to return to the era of political gridlock that kept cannabis illegal in Minnesota for so long. MN is Ready, the predecessor of MN Cann, helped elect the pro-legalization majority and amplify the voices of local stakeholders to pass legalization. Now, your contribution to the MN Cann Political Action Fund will help us maintain that momentum. Donate today and help protect Minnesota's cannabis future!
MN Cann Political Action will be releasing its list of endorsed candidates on Monday, October 7. Keep an eye out on the website.
Top 5 Must Reads
For the first time as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly taken a stance in support of federal cannabis legalization. In a candid interview with the All the Smoke podcast, Harris reiterated her long-standing belief that "people should not be going to jail for smoking weed" and emphasized the need to stop criminalizing cannabis use. While Harris sponsored federal cannabis legislation as a U.S. senator, this is the first time she has addressed the issue during her current campaign for the White House. Harris is showing she’s ready to tackle outdated policies and push for real change, making her a strong advocate for reform and justice.
By contrast, Harris’s vice presidential running-mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that cannabis legalization should remain a state issue. Walz specifically called out his support for reforms like federal cannabis banking protections and medical cannabis access for veterans, but emphasized that legalization is better handled at the state level, where individual governments can tailor policies to local needs. Walz added that electing more Democrats to Congress would help pass incremental federal reforms.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls for U.S. health authorities, particularly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to take a more active role in shaping cannabis policy. The report recommends a health-focused approach, including research on cannabis impacts, best practices for state regulations, and campaigns targeting youth and vulnerable groups. Key recommendations include closing loopholes on hemp-derived intoxicants and expunging low-level cannabis-related offenses. Implementing these changes will require more federal funding and leadership.
A year after his first pick resigned, Governor Tim Walz has yet to appoint a permanent director for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Charlene Briner has served as interim director for over a year but has expressed that she doesn’t wish to hold the role long-term. Despite a second search for candidates earlier this year, no interviews have been conducted, with the governor’s office explaining to the press that it’s opting to maintain stability under Briner's leadership during the critical period that the state is preparing for the launch of Minnesota's recreational cannabis market.
A recent discussion with Blunt Strategies’ Kurtis Hanna on KBOO takes aim at the lasting damage of Richard Nixon's policies, particularly his infamous War on Drugs. The conversation highlights how Nixon's legacy continues to shape today’s cannabis laws and criminal justice system, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Despite decades passing since Nixon’s era, the system he set in motion is still kicking around, hindering progress on drug reform and perpetuating the same outdated, harmful policies. It's a sharp reminder of how deeply entrenched these issues remain, long after Nixon’s time in office.
Upcoming Events
The Cannabis Buzz in Minnesota Commercial Real Estate hosted by MN Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW). October 9, 11-1:15 PM in Minneapolis. (Continuing Real Estate Education Credit has been applied for and 1 hour is pending approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.)
Criminal Law A to Z: Criminal Implications of Cannabis – Personal Use and Individual Rights hosted by Minnesota CLE. October 11, 12-1 PM via webinar. (Minnesota CLE has applied to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 1.0 standard CLE credit.)
Cannabis Banking Webinar hosted by the Minnesota Credit Union Network. October 17, 1-2:30 PM.
Green Equity: A Cannabis Leadership Forum hosted by the Minority Cannabis Business Association. October 22, 11 AM - 9 PM in St. Paul.
The premium content that follows is available exclusively to our paid subscribers. This week’s premium content includes:
Minneapolis’ promising progress on zoning for cannabis businesses
Details on Red Pine Group’s proposal to operate a municipal cannabis store in Osseo and why cities should tread carefully.
Kayla Fearing’s essential updates for Minnesota caregivers and patients, providing clarity on homegrow rights and the state’s caregiver program.
Stay informed with in-depth federal, state, and local government information and updates, industry news and intelligence, and expert insights and analysis. Upgrade your subscription to access this exclusive content and stay ahead of the ever-evolving cannabis landscape.