Minnesota’s 2025 Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Rules: Registration, LPHE, and Out-of-State Sales
Minnesota hemp-derived cannabinoid registration 2025 requirements are reshaping the industry for businesses, manufacturers, and retailers alike. With the introduction of Chapter 342 and new state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) guidance, companies operating in or entering Minnesota’s rapidly growing hemp-derived cannabinoid market face an evolving patchwork of registration and licensing requirements, labeling standards, and sale restrictions—especially regarding lower-potency hemp edibles (LPHE) and the handling of out-of-state products.
This blog dives deep into the 2025 regulatory landscape, including the now-closed registration window, anticipated licensing transitions, local city and county rules, and what both newly registered businesses and established operators must know to ensure continued compliance.
Background: Minnesota’s Expanding Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Market
Minnesota has positioned itself as a leader in hemp-derived cannabinoid regulation since the historic 2022 legalization of certain THC-infused edibles and beverages. The OCM’s role has quickly expanded, covering both delta-9 THC products derived from hemp and new categories of artificially derived cannabinoids (e.g., delta-8, HHC). Staying ahead of these state-level and local ordinances is essential for businesses looking to capitalize on the region’s lucrative but tightly regulated market. Learn more from OCM’s official page.
2025 Statewide Registration Requirement: Key Dates and Transition to Licensure
All businesses intending to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products in Minnesota were required to register with OCM by August 31, 2025.
Who Was Required to Register?
- Retailers (brick-and-mortar and online) selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products in Minnesota.
- Manufacturers producing LPHE or other compliant hemp-derived cannabinoids.
- Distributors and wholesalers supplying the Minnesota market.
Failure to register before the window closed precludes legal sales or distribution; operating unregistered now exposes businesses to significant enforcement risk—including product seizures and administrative penalties.
What Comes Next? Licensure Roadmap
The OCM has indicated that all current registrants will transition to a formal licensing process in 2025-2026. Precise timelines will be set in late 2025, but:
- Businesses must maintain compliance with all registration guidelines and recordkeeping until official licensure is granted.
- Transition guidance—such as required documentation and renewal windows—will be published by OCM via their Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products portal.
Product Categories: LPHE, Artificially Derived Cannabinoids, and Sourcing
Chapter 342 and OCM rules now clarify product categories and their specific requirements:
Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles (LPHE)
- LPHE are defined as products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids with a THC content within state-prescribed limits.
- LPHE may not exceed 5 mg THC per serving and 50 mg THC per package.
- Only approved cannabinoids (e.g., delta-9 THC, CBD, CBG from hemp) are allowed unless specifically authorized.
Artificially Derived Cannabinoids
- Products with artificially derived cannabinoids (e.g., delta-8 THC, HHC) must comply with updated purity, safety, and sourcing rules.
- The intentional conversion of cannabinoids from CBD or other hemp extracts—if not GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) or FDA approved—may result in the product being prohibited in Minnesota.
- Businesses must routinely review OCM’s clarified ingredient standards and clear their inventory accordingly.
Sourcing and Out-of-State Sales
- Only products manufactured and labeled according to Minnesota’s rules may be legally sold within the state, even if they originate out-of-state.
- Wholesalers and retailers must ensure distributors supply only compliant, registered products.
Tip: Document all sourcing decisions and keep Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from accredited labs on file as proof of compliance.
Packaging, Labeling, and Testing Standards
Minnesota’s laws tightly control packaging and labeling for all hemp-derived products:
- Child-resistant packaging is mandatory.
- Product labels must clearly state: THC content (mg/serving and mg/package), batch number, manufacturer, and a QR code/link to a valid COA.
- Prohibited imagery: No cartoon, child-appealing graphics, or terminology falsely implying FDA approval.
- Ingredient disclosure: All active and inert ingredients must be listed.
- Universal symbol: The state’s cannabis edible warning symbol must be prominent.
Product batches must be tested for:
- Potency (THC and other cannabinoids)
- Contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, microbes)
- Residual solvents (for certain product types)
Retailers should verify test results on every product batch before offering them for sale. See full rules.
Out-of-State Sales: Rules for Import and Export
Businesses aiming to source or export LPHE or other hemp-derived cannabinoid products face added scrutiny in 2025:
- Import into MN: All out-of-state products must be manufactured, labeled, and tested in compliance with Minnesota Chapter 342. Out-of-state COAs are only accepted from ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs. Products not meeting Minnesota’s specific THC limits or ingredient restrictions are prohibited for sale.
- Export from MN: Firms should ensure destination states accept Minnesota’s product types and labeling conventions. OCM recommends reviewing the receiving state’s rules (penalties may apply for noncompliance in other jurisdictions).
City and County Ordinances: The Local Patchwork
A critical compliance risk for 2025 is the surge of local ordinances—especially around THC beverages, as detailed by MultiState’s July 2025 analysis.
Examples include:
- Some cities have imposed additional licensing, product restrictions, or outright moratoria on certain beverage types.
- Requirements may include local registration, display limitations, or advertising restrictions.
Action Step: Always verify with city and county authorities prior to product launch or retail location opening. Non-compliance with local rules can jeopardize your state registration.
More on city/county compliance.
Enforcement and Penalties: Staying Out of Trouble
The OCM has substantially increased inspections in 2025. Enforcement scope includes surprise site visits, product sampling from shelves, and COA audits.
- Unregistered operators are subject to immediate shutdown and product seizure.
- Fines for improper registration, mislabeling, or excessive THC content are significant, with penalties rising for repeat violations.
- Public notifications may be issued on repeat violators or entities endangering consumer safety.
Best Practices:
- Maintain meticulous product and sales records.
- Audit inventory bi-weekly for compliance with THC limits and packaging/labeling standards.
- Assign a compliance officer or key manager to track OCM and local notice bulletins.
Social Equity and Market Opportunity
Minnesota continues to promote inclusion with ongoing programs to assist minority-owned, rural, and small businesses with compliance readiness. Social equity licensing guidance is expected ahead of licensure rollout in 2026, aimed at ensuring diverse market participation.
Follow updates from state social equity initiatives and OCM’s outreach webinars for deadlines and eligibility information.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
- If you registered by August 31:
- Stay vigilant for transition guidance from OCM. Prepare documentation and begin compliance audits ahead of licensing.
- Review products and update packaging to align with the latest 2025 Chapter 342 definitions and ingredient restrictions.
- Check all city and county ordinances for new THC beverage and edible rules.
- If you missed the registration window:
- Pause all hemp-derived cannabinoid product sales. Contact legal and compliance professionals for advice on permitted next steps.
- Follow OCM updates for any late-registration options or 2026 processes.
- The closed August 31, 2025 registration window means only registered businesses can operate legally until licensure is rolled out.
- LPHE and hemp-derived cannabinoids carry strict potency, testing, and packaging obligations with oversight from both state and local regulators.
- Local ordinances on THC beverages are a fast-evolving compliance risk—always verify rules before launching or expanding product lines.
- Enforcement is robust: prioritize recordkeeping, transparent sourcing, and regular compliance audits.
Ensuring compliance in Minnesota’s 2025 hemp-derived cannabinoid market is complex—but businesses that prioritize registration, documentation, and active regulatory monitoring can remain ahead.
Need ongoing updates or compliance support? Access the latest rule changes, local ordinance trackers, and expert guidance at CannabisRegulations.ai today.
