Minnesota Cannabis Is Growing Fast — Here’s What to Know Before CannaCon MN

In the month of January 2026 alone, the state of Minnesota recorded $10.3 million in retail recreational sales, per the government Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Recreational sales in Minnesota only began in 2025, and since the first register ding, Minnesota has recorded $41.5 million in recreational retail sales. And Minnesota collects a 15% cannabis tax, proving to be a significant source of revenue for the state. Keep reading for the latest info on the Minnesota cannabis market and the topics garnering the most buzz, and get ready for CannaCon Minnesota!

Minnesota’s Testing Labs Are Struggling to Keep Up With Demand

Minnesota is home to two hemp and cannabis testing labs, which are currently experiencing longer-than-average turnaround times due to the good yet problematic issue of increased demand.

At ChRi Laboratories in St. Paul, turnaround times have nearly tripled since late 2025. Chief Growth Officer Brad Larmie said it’s taking three weeks to get through testing due to an increasing volume of recreational cannabis clients, but he is optimistic.

“Things are moving,” Larmie said. “I’m feeling positive for the industry.”

At Legend Technical Services, the time between product arriving to completed results is at least two and a half weeks, or in some cases, much longer.

“The core of the issue is there simply are not enough cannabis testing labs in Minnesota to adequately serve the recreational cannabis market,” Legend said.

While a third facility, Fina Analytics, is licensed to perform testing, it is only for potency.

The Minnesota State Senate now has the opportunity to assist with the long testing wait times that businesses are experiencing. State Sen. Lindsey Port proposed legislation recently to allow Minnesota’s hemp industry to continue testing out-of-state until May 31, 2027. Port’s bill would clear both labs to focus on testing recreational cannabis. The bill has passed in a Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, and is now headed to the Senate floor.

Meanwhile, OCM Director Eric Taubel said in a MPR News interview that two more testing labs are in the final stages of licensing while five others are a few steps behind in the pre-approval process.

“We feel confident we’re going to increase lab capacity pretty shortly here, and that as we continue to onboard new labs, it’ll help with those turnaround times,” Taubel said.

Judge Overturns OCM’s Ban on Direct Hemp Shipments

Recently a Minnesota judge overturned a regulator-imposed ban on hemp product retailers directly shipping product to consumers. Judge Kristien Butler wrote in the ruling that state law “remains silent on the modes of shipping or delivery” and “Language may not be added to a statute that the Legislature did not supply itself… The Office must cease enforcement of the unpromulgated and invalid rule.”

In response, the OCM stated it was “disappointed” by the order, and noted hemp product retailers are still required to verify age and ensure customers are not visibly intoxicated before selling items to them.

What to Do in St. Paul Before or After CannaCon Minnesota

Experienced attendees of Minnesota CannaCon know to plan a few extra days before or after the conference to visit local spots.

The Red Lake Nation, which opened the first recreational cannabis dispensary in the state, is opening a shop in West St. Paul less than 15 minutes away from Saint Paul River Centre.

NativeCare Cannabis Dispensary, expected to open by April 2026, is in the Ten Acres shopping center at 2001 S. Robert St. The shop will offer recreational flower, pre-rolls, edibles and vape cartridges, and this particular location will feature a colorful mural by indigenous designer and Red Lake member Lucie Skjefte.

“West St Paul is a vibrant community of diverse, open-minded and intelligent people who are committed to utilizing high-quality wellness products,” said spokesperson Nokomis Paiz.

In light of this new dispensary, West St. Paul Police Chief Brian Sturgeon said recently, “If you’re in a city park smoking a little bit of weed, that’s totally legal. We have no ordinance against marijuana usage outside of private property. Technically, if you are in possession of marijuana, it has to be in an original manufactured package, and if you’re transporting it in a vehicle, it has to be completely sealed.”

Looking for other consumption options? Check out these cannabis-friendly St. Paul establishments, including Bad Weather Brewing Company and Urban Growler Brewing Company featuring CannaFizz™ THC Seltzers, in addition to traditional beverages crafted on-site. Then check out one of these fun things to do in St. Paul to round out the evening.

Join Us at CannaCon Minnesota

Minnesota’s cannabis market is moving fast — millions in recreational sales, new dispensaries opening and policy shifts still playing out in real time. There’s no better moment to be in the room with the operators, suppliers and experts shaping what comes next.

CannaCon Minnesota takes place at the Saint Paul River Centre. Whether you’re an established cannabis business or just getting started, the conference floor and seminar sessions are built to give you a practical edge. Find out more and register for CannaCon Minnesota.

Updated from original post from July 26th 2026