Simply Crafted pushes Minnesota to use hemp opt-out provision

By AI, Created 11:40 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Simply Crafted CEO Lucas Stead is urging Minnesota lawmakers to adopt a state-level opt-out as Congress weighs new federal hemp rules. The company says the move could help protect Minnesota’s estimated $180 million hemp industry and preserve local regulatory control.

Why it matters: - Minnesota’s hemp-derived industry is an estimated $180 million a year economic sector. - Simply Crafted says a state opt-out would help protect the current regulatory framework for local hemp businesses. - The company frames the issue as a way to preserve seven years of infrastructure and growth built by brewers, farmers and retailers.

What happened: - Simply Crafted issued a formal response to the U.S. Senate’s introduction of the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act. - CEO Lucas Stead urged Minnesota lawmakers to consider a state-level “opt-out” provision. - The federal bill is bipartisan and is co-sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. - The company said Minnesota should use the federal mechanism that would let states keep independent oversight of hemp products.

The details: - The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act includes provisions allowing states to maintain their own oversight of hemp products. - Simply Crafted said federal regulations under the Continuing Appropriations Act are expected to significantly affect the national hemp-derived market. - Stead said Minnesota already has a comprehensive regulatory system for these products. - Stead said state lawmakers should be ready to use the federal opt-out to protect local hemp businesses. - Simply Crafted said it is also seeking “Safe Harbor” status for hemp-derived innovation in Minnesota.

Between the lines: - The push is both regulatory and commercial. - Simply Crafted is pressing for a policy outcome that would preserve state control while federal rules are being rewritten. - The company’s advocacy comes as it expands its own business footprint. - The message signals concern that new federal standards could reshape smaller hemp operators more quickly than larger national players.

What’s next: - Simply Crafted said it will keep engaging with state and federal representatives. - The company is launching SC Botanicals, a wellness-focused brand for non-psychoactive botanical products. - Simply Crafted is preparing to open Marvin’s Garden, a new licensed retail location in Northeast Minneapolis.

The bottom line: - Simply Crafted is using the federal hemp debate to press Minnesota leaders to preserve state control and protect a major local industry.