Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! What Happened: The Office of Cannabis Management sent notices to applicants Monday evening notifying them if their preapproval applications were denied. Reporting from MinnPost indicates that more than two-thirds of applicants were rejected for various reasons—some factual and others appearing to be technical issues that should have been addressed during a deficiency period.Links from the Show:Two-thirds of Minnesota social e...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! In this episode of Northern Lights, Steve and Tanner dive into the latest developments shaking up the cannabis world. First, they dissect the Office of Cannabis Management's recent legal action against Zaza in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Then, they unpack fresh Gallup poll data revealing that cannabis has officially outpaced tobacco in popularity (finally!), while exploring how GTI and RISE are positioning themselves for big mo...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) hosted a virtual informational listening session on the CanRenew and CanGrow grants, the two programs implemented and overseen by the Division of Social Equity.CanRenew will award grants to eligible organizations for investments in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants.CanGrow will award grants to eligible organizations to help farme...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! In this episode, Marcus, John, and Tanner explore the evolving landscape of cannabis policy in Minnesota and across the U.S. as recent elections bring new challenges and opportunities. With Minnesota’s now-divided Legislature, cannabis reform faces added hurdles. We’ll discuss how this shift could slow progress on tax adjustments, licensing expansions, and social equity provisions, calling for more bipartisan negotiation than...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! As election day wraps up, all ballots for 2024 are officially in. Join hosts Tanner and John as they dive into Minnesota’s cannabis landscape and discuss the potential impact of recent election results on cannabis legalization locally and beyond. They cover highlights from the Minneapolis City Council’s new zoning ordinance for cannabis businesses, refined in chambers, and share updates on the DEA’s postponed rescheduling hea...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Join Tanner and Steve for Episode 7 of Northern Lights, where they tackle the latest in cannabis news, culture, and industry developments. Recorded at the Dabbler Depot Studio, this episode highlights the evolving landscape of legal cannabis in Minnesota, including a deep dive into pricing across various dispensaries and new legislative measures like Oregon's Measure 119, which paves the way for cannabis worker unionization.L...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Join Marcus and Tanner as they dive into the latest cannabis news in Minnesota. From the OCM’s internal turmoil to deficiency notices and the rise of microbusinesses, there’s a lot unfolding in the North Star State.Beyond cannabis, the Psychedelic Medicine Taskforce has recommended that Minnesota decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, while Massachusetts is voting on adult-use legalization. And did we mention? Vice President Kam...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! It’s a news-packed episode as Steve and Tanner break down everything happening in cannabis. First, they turn to Minnesota for an update on illegal products seized by OCM, an update on the timeline of licensure by OCM, and a few petitions for medical cannabis in Minnesota being reviewed by… the OCM.Then, we turn national as the hosts break down the status of ballots across the country, including in North Dakota, South Dakota, ...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Northern Lights! This week, Marcus, John, and Tanner dive deep into the latest developments in Minnesota’s cannabis scene. Will Osseo partner with private businesses to launch a new dispensary? Could Minneapolis be on the verge of passing regulations that might stifle commercial growers? We’ve got all the details and analysis you need!Later, Tanner sits down with cannabis attorney J...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! What percentage of Minnesotans consume cannabis? Dive into this week's episode of Northern Lights to find out with Tanner, alongside Cayle and Sam from the Dabbler Depot! Hear about the behind-the-scenes of the Doobie Dabbler, what goes into planning a large-scale cannabis event in Minnesota, and what Minnesotans might expect in the future.Tanner also sits down with Matt DeLong, writer of Nuggets, the Minnesota Star Tribune's...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Drumroll, please... The winners of the 2024 Legacy Cup are in!Join Tanner and Steve as they break down this year’s champions and dive into the latest happenings in Minnesota's cannabis industry.In our feature segment, Steve sits down with Kasey and Leah Kollross of Sprout Cannabis to discuss their journey toward opening a mezzobusiness and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.Finally, pack a bowl with Tanner, Steve, and...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! And we're back for Season Two! Join John, Steve, and Tanner as they break down the festival season, explore how a mayor got off the hook for growing cannabis, and sample a newly discovered berry variety in the studio, compliments of Skal and the Doobie Dabbler. Filmed and Recorded at the Dabbler Depot Studio in St. PaulLinks from the Show:Legacy Cup Winners: https://www.reddit.com/r/MNtrees/comments/1fhjg0x/winners_of_the_202...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) hosted an informational webinar to guide social equity applicants through the process of completing the application for cannabis business license preapproval in Minnesota.Presenters:Merone Melekin, Outreach DirectorKimberly Maturo-Hilt, Information TechnologyMax Zappia, Chief Regulatory OfficerFor more information, please visit the OCM’s website: https://mn.gov/ocm/Please note...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! This week, Steve and Tanner are back with a summer break bonus episode, diving into the past month in Minnesota cannabis. The Pre-Approval Process is underway for Social Equity Applicants, marking a significant step forward for inclusivity in the industry. Island Pezi has opened near the Twin Cities, receiving mixed responses from the community. Meanwhile, changes to the medical program took effect on July 1, 2024, opening ac...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Welcome to the MNCC recording of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) training session on completing the social equity verification process. This is the crucial first step for potential social equity applicants aiming to participate in Minnesota’s new cannabis industry, launching this summer.This training was held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at the Sabathani Community Center Auditorium in Minneapolis. Prere...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Get ready for an action-packed week on our latest podcast! We're diving into a series of significant events starting with the Implementation Update on June 18th, followed by the Cannabis Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting on June 20th, and the Social Equity Verification Workshop on June 21st. Plus, don't miss the bonus session on June 27, 2024, with the Department of Revenue's Sales and Use Tax for Cannabis Agricultural Produ...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! We're back, and it's been a busy week! Fond du Lac Band set to start cannabis production in northeastern Minnesota, Sweetest Grass (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) opens to the public on Thursday, and more than one-third of adults may qualify for social equity cannabis licenses. Then, some local updates from St. Louis County, Stearns County, Marshall, and Pine River. Then we try Brez, microdosed cannabis and mushrooms in a can.The...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! We're out this week, but we wanted to share a discussion from our friends at CannaConnect!! This panel, Brewing a Budding Market: THC Beverages in Minnesota, dives into the exciting world of THC-infused beverages, exploring the specifics of bringing these products to market in the North Star State.Join a distinguished group of Minnesota-based entrepreneurs and industry leaders as they discuss:🔧 The Development Process: From c...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! Walter Cup Finals, Western Conference Finals, and the CannOmnibus Bill signed into law in the same week? You know it, and Marcus and Tanner are here to break down everything going on in Minnesota. Also, daily cannabis use outpaces daily drinking in the US, St. Cloud police seize 32 pounds of illegal THC gummies, a House Committee approves a disastrous Farm Bill amendment to ban most hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and Gove...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! UPDATE SINCE FILMING: HF 4757 HAS PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE; NOW HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESKThis week, Tanner is joined by guest cohost Sam Milstrain from Milstagrams THC Distribution. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension expunges 57,780 records almost three months ahead of schedule, the Minnesota Supreme Court demotes the Legal Marijuana Now Party, and Albert Lea advances a morato...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! This week, Marcus, John, and Tanner are joined by guest cohost Kayla Fearing of Healing Fear Consulting. Another Native nation in Minnesota weighs entering the cannabis industry, Minnesotans sue to be able to sell their home grown cannabis, and a White Earth man was charged and faces jail time for selling cannabis on August 1, 2024. Then, we have a Mock Conference Committee, diving deep into the Senate and House’s versions of...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! This week, Steve and Tanner are joined by guest cohost Rachelle Gordon of Greenstate. Can you guess what we talk about in this episode? If you guessed the DEA's proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to III, you're correct! If you guessed the bill introduced in Washington to regulate and deschedule cannabis federally, you're correct! If you guessed the CannOmnibus bill passing the Minnesota Senate, you're correct! And if y...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! As Taylor Swift would say, "My Friends All Smell Like Weed," because it's the first legal 4/20 in Minnesota! John and Tanner share their experiences celebrating at various events across the Twin Cities. Then they dig deep into legislation moving it's way through the chambers, both good (CannOmnibus) and bad (HF 4251). Next, we try Heti's new Meadow Cat Nap THC beverage, inspired by Dakota roots and created by Dana Thompson, c...

Comment, question, or idea for the podcast? Send us a Text Message! The team behind Dabbler Depot has done it again, and by "it," we mean they've opened up another killer location for cannabis enthusiasts!This one stop shop not only carries products for home growing and cultivation, but also a huge range of low-dose products and smoking accessories. The space also includes the studio that this very stream is being held in, so there will be no place in town quite like it! Be sure to stop in th...