SF3670

Purpose

To strengthen and expand laboratory testing requirements for cannabis and certain hemp products before they can be sold, transferred, or offered to customers or patients, and to clarify which laboratories can perform the testing.

Main Provisions

• Before transferring or selling:
  • A representative sample from each batch of cannabis flower, cannabis products, artificially derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products must be tested according to this section and the rules.
  • The testing must be completed by a cannabis testing facility licensed under this chapter or by a lab that meets the requirements described below.
  • The tested sample must be found to meet the testing standards established by the relevant state office.
• Testing options for lower-potency hemp products:
  • Lower-potency hemp edibles and hemp-derived consumer products that do not contain intoxicating cannabinoids may be tested by any laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
• Accreditation and standardization:
  • The bill includes a transition related to standardizing accreditation for cannabis testing, with specific timelines through early 2026 and into 2027.

How it Changes Law

• Rewrites Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 342.61 subdivision 1, to require testing prior to transfer or sale and to specify who may perform that testing.
• Creates a distinction between testing requirements for:
  • Cannabis-related products (requiring licensed cannabis testing facilities or labs meeting defined standards).
  • Certain hemp products (allowing ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs to conduct testing if they do not contain intoxicating cannabinoids).
• Establishes a framework for office-approved testing standards and ongoing accreditation timelines.

Implications for Stakeholders

• Cannabis businesses: Must ensure each batch is properly tested by an approved facility or compliant lab before sale or transfer; this may affect timelines for product movement and inventory handling.
• Hemp product manufacturers: Those with non-intoxicating products can use ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs, potentially broadening testing options and possibly affecting costs and turnaround times.
• Testing laboratories: Potentially expanded role for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs, especially for non-intoxicating hemp products; continued need for state-licensed cannabis testing facilities for other products.
• Regulators: Will set and enforce testing standards and oversee accreditation transitions through the specified dates.

Notable Terms in the Text

• Cannabis testing facility
• ISO/IEC 17025
• Lower-potency hemp edibles
• Hemp-derived consumer products
• Representative sample
• Testing standards established by the office
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 342.61 subdivision 1
• Licensed under this chapter
• Testing requirements and rules

Relevant Terms - cannabis - hemp - testing facility - accreditation - ISO/IEC 17025 - representative sample - testing standards - subdivision 1 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - cannabis products - lower-potency hemp edibles - hemp-derived consumer products