Minnesota Likely to Revoke Dispensary’s License After Illegal Activity

Minnesota Medical Solutions dispensary (also known as MinnMed) is facing the loss of its license after illegally shipping $500,000 of marijuana oils to its New York dispensary. This is a direct violation of both Minnesota and federal laws. Their manufacturer’s license may be revoked and a rather large fine may be imposed.

Two executives were hit with felony charges, according to Twin Cities Pioneer Press. The New York location was running short on supply so the Minnesota location shipped over 5-kilograms of marijuana oil to New York at the end of 2015. The executives charged, Laura Bultman and Ronald Owens, are no longer employees of the company.

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota want to let the state have the authority to revoke manufacturer’s licenses and impose a $1 million fine to the company. Additional penalties may be added. Those same lawmakers are also looking to make this a law.

Some lawmakers, however, were skeptical about some of the businesses breaking the rules of the program while hoping it wouldn’t become an issue. Minnesota Medical Solutions made their suspicions a reality.

Senator Michelle Benson said, “This was a big risk for some of us. We wanted it done well, and we need everybody involved with this to hold themselves to the highest standard. The people responsible for executing it have put us in an incredibly difficult place.”

The allegations include driving a controlled substance across state lines, falsifying database information and lying about what really happened with the marijuana oil. It was said that the oil was taken for destruction to a waste facility.

Text messages and email conversations have been obtained that confirm the illegal activity. The Office of Medical Cannabis in Minnesota will not take further action until the court case is complete. It is likely, however, that MinnMed’s manufacturer’s license will not be renewed.

Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis Michelle Larson said, “We’re not oblivious to the criminal investigation going on. But those are charges, not convictions at this time.”

Minnesota only has 5,000 registered medical marijuana patients. The loss of a main manufacturer could damage the availability of product to patients, some lawmakers worry.

Senator Benson said, “We’re on the horns of a dilemma.”