Mitchel Chargo Discusses Minnesota's New Adult-Use Cannabis Market Rules and Tribal Opportunities

Hinshaw Minneapolis partner Mitchel Chargo was quoted in a recent MJBizDaily article discussing the ongoing rollout of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis market and related regulatory implications. With the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) now publishing new rules, Minnesota is moving forward with a framework designed to foster a craft cannabis industry while also addressing anticipated supply challenges.

Chargo noted the significant role that Minnesota's 11 tribal nations are expected to play in the state's cannabis market. "The tribes have been growing, manufacturing, and selling on their sovereign territories and will be able to offer it off the reservation," he explained.

He noted that "once the first tribe gets their compact signed, others will come online," expanding access and supply. These compacts will set the terms for tribal operations outside reservation lands, including the number of retail locations and the scale of cultivation permitted.

Chargo highlighted the importance of complying with the newly published rules, which cover everything from cultivation plans and security to packaging and transportation. "The rules are intended to supplement the statutory framework – they're all operational and designed to fill in the gaps," he said. Chargo also stressed that strict adherence to these regulations is essential for a license holder to avoid the risk of losing their license.

Read the full article.

• MJBizDaily: "How will Minnesota's adult-use cannabis market shake out?" (April 23, 2025)