Note: Guidance Memo 2025-06 is updated as of June 1, 2026, superseding the versions published Feb. 13, 2026, Jan. 2, 2026, and Nov. 19, 2025. 

Background

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is charged with regulating both cannabis and hemp markets under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342. Cannabis licensing is ongoing, and manufacturers and cultivators are beginning to produce products. Early in the licensing process, OCM recognized limited current transportation options and previously authorized temporary authority for specific cannabis businesses to transport products to a testing facility that expired on March 17, 2026. Then, in the 2026 legislative session, the Legislature passed changes to the law to authorize self-transport of products to a testing facility for 30 months—until Feb. 1, 2029—under the following requirements (Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 123, Section 89). The new authorization is effective June 1, 2026.  

Authority

• Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 123, Section 89

Guidance

Until Feb. 1, 2029, cannabis microbusiness license holders, cannabis mezzobusiness license holders, cannabis cultivator license holders, and cannabis manufacturer license holders may transport samples of their own cultivated or manufactured products to a Minnesota-licensed cannabis testing facility.

In order to qualify, the license holder must meet the following standards:

1. Create a manifest that meets the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9810.2300, subp. 3A, and maintain the manifest as required by Minnesota Rules, part 9810.2300, subp. 3B.
2. Equip the transportation vehicle with a storage compartment that meets the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 342.42, subd. 5 and submit a photo of the storage compartment to OCM via email to enforcement.ocm@state.mn.us for approval. OCM may reject storage compartments that do not meet requirements. The transport vehicle must meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9810.1500, subp. 17B(2), (3), and (5).
3. Submit the Vehicle Disclosure Form for Temporary Transport to Testing Facilities to the office via email to enforcement.ocm@state.mn.us.
4. Have and attest to holding an active a commercial vehicle insurance policy for the transport vehicle.

Please note that license holders must submit the required documentation even if the business or vehicles were previously authorized to transport.  

What are the storage requirements for a vehicle?

A vehicle must have a locked, safe, and secure storage compartment that is part of the vehicle or a locked storage container that has a separate key or combination pad. In the case of a separate storage device, it must be secured in the vehicle to prevent the device from moving or being readily removed. At a minimum, this means that the device must be attached to the vehicle in a way that cannot be untied, easily cut or broken. The device must include a secure lock on the storage compartment that prevents access without a key, and the products cannot be visible from outside of the vehicle. At a minimum, this means that the device must be durable enough that a person could not bypass the lock by pulling on the device to reach in. The vehicle must also have measures to ensure the products are free from spoilage due to environmental factors such as heat or cold. 

Please note that most vehicle trunks do not meet these requirements without modifications. 

Metrc guidance

License holders must use the Lab Transfer transfer type when creating a transfer manifest to a lab for this temporary transfer allowance to apply. Select your own license number and fill out the required information. License holders may not use the Lab Transfer type on transfers that do not involve a testing facility.