The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has suspended the license of cannabis testing lab Legend Technical Services for failing to address “safety and testing requirements.” Star Tribune reports.

Legend was originally licensed to test cannabis products under the state’s medical program. However, to help facilitate the launch of adult sales, regulators approved the lab in September 2025 to begin testing products for both markets. The lab was also allowed to continue using its testing methodologies for adult-use products despite different requirements under the new regime — regulators sent a letter this week notifying Legend and its customers that the lab’s special approval had expired.

“Our commitment to public health and safety requires that we hold all licensees to the same standards, and there are steps Legend must take to address the issues identified in the noncompliance. These requirements are no different than what is required of all licensed testing facilities.” – OCM spokesman Josh Collins, in the report

Tom Barrett, vice president of Legend Technical Services, told the Tribune that the company has provided most of the information requested by OCM. The rest of the information should be sent by the end of the week, Barrett said, though it’s unclear when the lab will be able to resume testing. Meanwhile, the company is returning over 400 samples to its customers as it is unable to meet the demands.

There are currently only four state-licensed testing labs to test cannabis products, including Legend.

In OCM’s letter to affected businesses, officials wrote: “We understand this is unwelcome news and will cause a disruption to your business operations.”

Meanwhile, in March, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed a law allowing manufacturers of hemp products to continue to use overseas testing laboratories until next spring due to the limited number of laboratories licensed to operate in Minnesota.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development of Minnesota (Acts) has provided $ 3.6 million in grants to businesses to enter the cannabis industry of adult state use and training workers for industry affairs.

Through Cannavigate, Cannavigate, Cansartup and Cantrain programs, 11 organizations were granted between 100,000 and $ 500,000 for various programs aimed at providing technical assistance, work training and opening or expanding a cannabis business in the state.

In a statement, the Commissioner of the works Matt Varilek said the cannabis industry for the use of state adults is “exciting” for businesses and state workers.

“We are committed to ensuring social equality in the cannabis industry, working together with our regulatory partners that ensure market integrity, and supporting the lenders focused on the Minnesota community and the development of workforce development around the state.” – Varilek in a announcement

Through the Cannavigate program, the three organizations were given grants:

• Minnesota Association of Professionals and Communities of Black Cannabis united through justice and inclusion – $ 400,000
• Minnesota Cannabis Institute – $ 234,601
• Community developers consortium in Minnesota – $ 308,935

Cannsartup also gave grants to three organizations:

• Spread Community Development Corporation – $ 500,000
• Seward Redesign, Inc. – 100,000 dollars
• Womenventure – 500,000 dollars

While Cantrain gave grants for five organizations:

• Minneapolis Community and Technical College – $ 403,530
• Minnesota training partnerships – $ 126,116
• Minnesota Cannabis College – $ 250,000
• Urban Connecting Gemini Cities – $ 320,000
• Tribal college and white land community – $ 500,000

Agency previously accorded 11 grants through its Canrerenew program which help in project funds that address a range of community needs, including economic development, public health, prevention of violence, youth development and civil legal aid.