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| |  | Sean cracking open a cold one of Trail Magic’s Half & Half Lemonade. (Sean McPherson / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| Hopeful for Hemp | Lawmakers are giving weed drink and edible enthusiasts some hope. A provision, passed through the Senate budget deal, delays the pending federal hemp ban that industry advocates say would effectively shutter Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC industry. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the provision is based on her bill, which pushes the ban back by a month. Pro-hemp lobbyists are seizing on this small window of time in hopes of softening the blow. [MinnPost / Minnesota Reformer] | | - More guardrails: Last month, Rep. Angie Craig and a Kentucky representative introduced The Lawful Hemp Protection Act, which would create a regulatory framework for the hemp industry. The bill sets a standard of no more than 1 percent THC for hemp-derived products, as well as a 21-and-older age requirement. Through the slate of regulations, the politicians hope to preserve their state’s booming (and profitable) market for hemp-derived THC. Craig said the industry has netted $300 million in revenue for Minnesota. [The Hill]
- The way forward: Even if the hemp ban passes, businesses could keep selling in Minnesota – at great risk. The federal ban would make hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC a Schedule I drug. Businesses would be entering a legal gray zone of competing federal and state regulations, a scary and expensive place to be. Locally, there’s a distinct feeling of irony, as Minnesota’s hemp industry has set the standard for safe practices nationwide. [MSP Magazine]
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| What the Cities Are Talking About |
| ‘We can never relax’: The Minnesota Reformer’s Madison McVan has a haunting profile of a Honduran man violently arrested by ICE during Operation Metro Surge, and then deported. Just days after Renee Good was killed, agents overseen by then-Commander Greg Bovino dragged Orbin Mauricio Henriquez Serrano from his car. Henriquez Serrano survived being kidnapped twice before immigrating to the U.S. [Minnesota Reformer] | | On the outs: The leader overseeing all of Minneapolis’ emergency and public safety divisions is stepping down. Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette said he will remain in the role until the end of the year, while the city searches for a replacement. The City Council declined to reappoint Barnette, citing concerns about Minneapolis Police Department’s $20 million deficit and slow pace of police reform. [MPR News] | | My Shot: Lin-Manuel Miranda and his father are financially backing the ‘Purple rain’ musical before it debuts on Broadway. The pair have signed on as co-producers. Don’t expect a Hamilton-style revamp, however. The Star Tribune’s Rohan Preston explains, “Such producers may have input, but creative and strategic control generally rests with the lead producer.” Here’s to hoping the extra cash can juice up the show. [Star Tribune] | |  | Dumpling Eatery’s xiao long bao sampler. (Tiffany Bui / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| Next bite: I tried Eat Street’s latest addition, Dumpling Eatery, in hopes of fulfilling my xiao long bao cravings. The star dumplings hit the spot, but don’t sleep on their appetizers either. The black and silver fungus doused in their house special sauce was simple and delicious. The introduction of Dumpling Eatery and Meet Up Noodle has really diversified Eat Street’s selection of Chinese cuisine. | | That’s rad: There’s a new grocery store in town, and they promise a radically different model than your nearby co-op. Radish Farm Stop lets farmers sell on consignment, meaning they set their own prices and collect a percentage. Founder Lily Gross told Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine this allows smaller farmers and producers to get shelf space. I’m craving radishes now. [MSP Magazine] |
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| | Wednesday, August 5 | | | Thursday, August 6 | | | |
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