Frequently Asked Questions for Consumers

The hemp plant is a member of the cannabis family and is commonly grown as a crop for textiles and other industrial uses. The plant contains compounds called cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) as well as low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-intoxicating while THC can be intoxicating, giving a person a high feeling or making them feel very relaxed. Both CBD and THC can be extracted from the hemp plant, concentrated, and added to food-grade materials resulting in hemp-derived cannabinoid products. These include edible products such as gummies and beverages. CBD, in particular, may also be added to lotions or creams and sold as topicals.

While there are many forms of THC, the THC extracted from hemp is the same as the THC extracted from the marijuana plant, and they have the same intoxicating effects. Currently, Minnesota law allows only two forms of THC to be sold in hemp-derived products, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both naturally occurring and can be artificially derived from hemp. Other forms of THC including other artificially derived THC and all synthetic THC are not allowed.

Products containing THC may contain up to 5 mg of THC per serving and have a maximum of 50 mg of THC per package. Beverages can have up to two servings for a maximum of 10 mg of THC. Some products in the marketplace have hundreds of milligrams of THC in different forms. These products are illegal and should be avoided because they can be dangerous.

Edibles with multiple servings must be scored, wrapped, or otherwise indicate individual serving size on the product, or may be sold with a calibrated dropper, measuring spoon, or similar device for measuring a single serving.

• The number of THC milligrams (mg) per serving. The maximum allowed in Minnesota is 5 mg per serving.
• The type of THC. Only Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC are legal in Minnesota. 
• A list of ingredients, including the identification of major food allergens. 
• A statement saying, “Keep this product out of the reach of children.” 
• Results of a laboratory analysis for contaminants and cannabinoids (a QR code that leads to a website with this information is also acceptable).

All edibles must be sold in a child-resistant, tamper-evident, and opaque container at the time of purchase. Always keep cannabinoid edible products in their original, child-resistant packaging. Beverages are not required to be child-proof but must be in an opaque container. For more information, go to Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Product Compliance Quick Guide (PDF).

Cannabis or hemp-vape cartridges are not currently allowed for sale in Minnesota except for registered medical cannabis patients.

You must be at least 21 years old. Keep all edibles and beverages containing cannabinoids out of reach of children, young adults, and pets.

Cannabis waste should be mixed with other waste material, like coffee grounds or kitty litter, so it can’t be used. The waste mixture should be in a taped and sealed container, like an empty yogurt cup, and thrown into regular trash. If possible, recycle empty containers. Never discard uneaten edibles in their packaging where a child or anyone else could find them and consume them.

Keep in mind that with edibles, the effects are often delayed and may last for hours. If you do overconsume: 

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water. 
• Stay calm and rest. Rest or sleep in a safe place and wait for effects to subside. 
• Take deep breaths. Regulating your breath helps calm the nervous system when experiencing overconsumption. 
• Do something that comforts you. Listen to music, watch a show, or call a friend. 
• Get help, if needed. For a medical emergency, call 911.