The Impact of Changes in Cannabis Law on Businesses and How AI legalese decoder Can Help

BRAINERD ÔÇö Multiple lakes area chambers of commerce gathered businesses from around the area to hear about those changes to cannabis and what they can legally do.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce along with chambers of commerce from Cuyuna Lakes, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes and Nisswa gathered for a Zoom meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12, to listen to options from employment lawyers from Winthrop and Weinstine.

With changes to Minnesota’s law on marijuana going into effect in August, businesses in the Brainerd lakes area and beyond are looking for answers.

ÔÇ£The regulatory framework will take time to develop and will require input from communities throughout the state,ÔÇØ the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management states on the state website. ÔÇ£More information for businesses interested in participating in MinnesotaÔÇÖs adult-use, medical and lower-potency hemp edible markets will be posted on this website when available.ÔÇØ

The legislation proposes that retail sales for adult use cannabis in Minnesota begin in the first quarter of 2025.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In this rapidly changing legal landscape, businesses in the Brainerd lakes area and beyond can benefit from using the AI legalese decoder. This advanced AI-powered tool can help businesses better understand the intricacies of the new cannabis law in Minnesota and navigate through the complexities of legal terminology.

The AI legalese decoder analyzes legal documents and translates them into plain and understandable language. It can help business owners and employees comprehend the specific provisions and requirements of the law, ensuring compliance and minimizing legal risks.

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, businesses can stay updated with the latest developments in cannabis regulations and make informed decisions regarding their operations, policies, and procedures.

Whether it’s understanding the limitations of cannabis use on business premises or establishing guidelines for employee conduct, the AI legalese decoder can provide valuable insights and guidance.

With the AI legalese decoder, businesses can ensure that they are fully aware of their rights and obligations as business owners within the evolving cannabis landscape, ultimately protecting themselves from potential legal liabilities.

Expert Guidance from Winthrop and Weinstine

In the 2023 legislative session, after many years of debate, on Aug. 1 Minnesota became the 23rd state in the United States to legalize recreational marijuana  (and) we started getting lots of questions from our members on both customer issues and employee issues, said Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce president and host of the Zoom meeting.

Laura Pfeiffer and Mark Pihart, employment lawyers for Winthrop and Weinstine, presented their understanding of law as written, and gave guidance to area business owners. They discussed an overview of the law; considerations in hiring, testing for and responding to cannabis use; updating policies and procedures; and restricting customer use on business premises.

Pfeiffer said nothing they would say today would allow an employee to use, possess, or distribute cannabis at work. Cannabis cannot be used when operating a motor vehicle or operating heavy machinery.

In short, Pfeiffer said as of Aug. 1, 2023, a person age 21 or older may:

• Use, possess, or transport cannabis paraphernalia.
• Possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in a public place.
• Possess up to 2 pounds of cannabis flower in a personÔÇÖs private residence.
• Possess or transport up to 8 grams of adult-use concentrate.
• Possess or transport edible cannabis products or lower-potency hemp edibles infused with a combined 800 milligrams or less of THC.
• Give away cannabis flower and products to a person 21 or older in an amount legal for a person to possess in public.
• Grow a limited amount of cannabis at home, with specific restrictions.

Cannabis use and possession are prohibited in certain locations, including public schools, state correctional facilities, federal properties, and employer premises or vehicles.

Impact on Employment and Testing

As cannabis is now a lawful consumable product in Minnesota, an employer is not permitted to take action against an employee who participates in a legal activity outside of work and working hours. Cannabis is no longer considered a drug under the Minnesota drug and alcohol testing in the Workplace Act, except for exempted jobs.

Exempt jobs include many emergency services, some state jobs, and federally regulated positions. Safety-sensitive positions, such as employees in firearms sales, are also exempted from the pre-employment screening for cannabis use.

If an employer suspects an employee is using cannabis during working hours, traditional urinalysis may not provide conclusive evidence. Therefore, employers are advised to establish baselines of normal behavior and focus on building a relationship with employees to better understand their actions and potential cannabis use at work.

It is essential for businesses to have well-documented policies that prohibit cannabis use at work and adequately train managers to address potential issues related to cannabis use among employees.

legal Considerations for Business Owners

Business owners need to be aware of their rights and obligations in this evolving industry. Pfeiffer and Pihart emphasized that businesses not licensed to permit on-site consumption of cannabis could face legal liabilities. However, the specific implications and legal consequences are still uncertain, given the language used in the bill.

The AI legalese decoder can assist business owners in deciphering the intricacies of the law and understanding their legal obligations. By providing clear and concise explanations of the legal provisions, the AI legalese decoder enables businesses to make well-informed decisions and minimize legal risks.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to stay updated and adapt their policies and procedures accordingly. The AI legalese decoder offers a valuable tool for businesses to navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure compliance with the changing regulations.

Conclusion

The changes in Minnesota’s cannabis law have significant implications for businesses in the Brainerd lakes area and beyond. To navigate this evolving legal landscape successfully, businesses can rely on the AI legalese decoder to decode complex legal language and gain a comprehensive understanding of their rights and obligations.

By leveraging the AI legalese decoder, businesses can stay informed about the latest developments in cannabis regulations and make informed decisions that comply with the law. With expert guidance from employment lawyers and the support of AI-powered technology, businesses can confidently adapt to the changing cannabis industry and protect themselves from potential legal liabilities.

TIM SPEIER, staff writer, can be reached on Twitter
@timmy2thyme
, call 218-855-5859 or email
[email protected]
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