Committee delays in‑state hemp testing requirement to ease lab bottlenecks, sends bill to general register

Representative Hansen moved House File 3615 to change the effective date of an in‑state testing requirement for low‑THC hemp beverages and low‑dose edibles, giving Minnesota businesses more time amid federal uncertainty about hemp definitions. Hansen said the industry has been a national leader and that abrupt federal changes could decimate small local firms.

Eric Taubel, director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, supported the bill as a time‑limited bridge. He said Minnesota currently has two testing labs licensed for full test panels, a third lab licensed for a single panel, and additional applicants in late stages of licensure. Taubel said the office reopened licensing for testing labs in June 2025 and had 18 total applicants; turnaround times for testing are currently running 6–9 weeks, and additional labs in the final licensing stages should reduce delays.

Committee members raised operational questions about lab capacity, variances, waivers, and whether out‑of‑state testing should be allowed; the director said variances and method validation are used to manage capacity while maintaining test reliability. Representative Hansen corrected an earlier misstated date during discussion and then moved to refer H.F. 3615 to the general register. The committee voted in favor.

H.F. 3615 advances as a temporary, industry‑support measure pending federal developments and further state implementation work.