The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is cracking down on retailers across the state for selling hemp-derived THC edibles that surpass the legal limits, a move that underlines the difficulty of policing an industry some have likened to the "Wild West." With inspection findings revealing nearly 40% of THC edible retailers have been dealing in illegal high-dose goods since August, the department is ramping up efforts to keep the market in check and shield the public from potentially dangerous products.
As per state regulations, THC edibles should not exceed 5mg per serving, a limit that some products audaciously blow past with hundreds of milligrams per serving. These levels are not just illegal; they pose significant health threats, including unresponsiveness and even psychotic episodes, according to a report by Axios. Despite the strict standards, the health department has yet to issue any fines, choosing instead to focus on educating retailers and destroying or embargoing illicit products.
The MDH's enforcement push began with the addition of its first full-time inspector in August, more than a year after the products were legalized by lawmakers. A spokesperson told Axios that five inspectors are already working the field, with a sixth joining them in January. As a part of their enforcement campaign, businesses found selling illegal products or failing to register with the state could be hit with fines of up to $10,000 per incident. Meanwhile, Leili Fatehi, a cannabis advocate involved in crafting the new law, noted the importance of focusing on outreach to ensure compliance from well-meaning businesses.
In detailed coverage by KARE 11, Chris Elvrum, assistant director for the MDH Office of Medical Cannabis, expressed serious concern for the high-risk products appealing to children. Retailers, like CannaJoyMN in south Minneapolis, have been advocating for responsible consumption with the advice, "When it comes to THC, start low and go slow," yet even these outlets struggle against persistent consumer demand for more potent products. "Some people will say, 'Do you have anything over the 50mg?' or 'I had this one, one time, that was 1000(mg),'" Erin Walloch, co-founder of CannaJoyMN, told KARE 11.
While the MDH bulks up its inspector numbers in anticipation of reviewing all 3,000 registered retailers of hemp-derived THC, they're also empowering consumers to report products violating the 5mg per serving standard online. Amidst the regulatory storms, Minnesota is bearing down on closing loopholes and tightening its leash on the THC edible market, demonstrating a priority for public health and safety as well as maintaining the credibility of an industry in its infancy.
