(The Center Square) – The State of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management has released its first draft of regulations governing the sale of recreational marijuana and is seeking public input.

These are the first rules for the state’s cannabis industry since recreational marijuana was legalized in August. The full draft rules, more than 100 pages long, can be viewed on the state agency’s website through August 30.

The OCM says it prepared the initial draft based on nationwide surveys and meetings, as well as through communications with states that had previously legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational use.

The regulations focus less on consumption and more on the industry itself. Topics include licensing, manufacturing, retail, packaging, testing, complaints procedures, delivery tracking, environmental and equity issues, pesticide use, and registration of patients using cannabis for medical purposes.

The proposed regulations in Minnesota are more generous than in many other states. For example, drive-in pharmacies are not permitted under the current plans, but curbside pickup is allowed. Delivery drivers are also allowed to transport up to $3,000 worth of marijuana at a time. In total, the document refers to about 70 different proposed regulations.

While the state lists a number of offenses that are disqualifying for operating a cannabis or hemp business, the OCM offers “social equity licenses” for people previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses.

The final rules are expected to be announced in spring 2025 after final adjustments have been made based on public feedback.