Minnesota Man Offers Free Cannabis Cultivation Workshops to Public

LOS ANGELES- In a remarkable initiative supporting Minnesota’s recent legalization of recreational cannabis, Steve Rosenfeldt, a local entrepreneur, is offering free workshops on cannabis cultivation and basics. Aimed at empowering residents with the skills and knowledge for home cannabis cultivation, these workshops align with Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis law, which permits home growing.

Rosenfeldt, owner of Ediblez OTC in Moorhead, Minnesota, has stepped up as a community educator, hosting monthly “Cannabis 101” and “Growing 101” workshops. These sessions, held at the Midtown Tavern in Moorhead on the last Tuesday of each month, have rapidly gained popularity among locals of varying ages. The most recent workshop, held on November 28, attracted over 40 participants, indicating a growing interest in cannabis cultivation at home.

Participants like Jamie Carrillo find these workshops incredibly valuable, providing practical skills for growing cannabis independently, thus avoiding reliance on store-bought products. While the interest in these classes is high, Rosenfeldt notes a lingering societal stigma around cannabis, which makes some potential growers hesitant.

Despite this, the workshops have seen a consistent turnout, signifying a shift in public perception. Rosenfeldt’s approach is practical and educational, focusing on the basics of cultivation and understanding the plant. He also legally sells cannabis seeds at his store, though the sale of marijuana products is not yet permitted. His store currently offers hemp-derived CBD and THC products, with seeds costing around $30 to $40, and it takes approximately four months for these to mature.

The context of these workshops is Minnesota’s progressive stance on cannabis. In May, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis, making Minnesota the 23rd state in the U.S. to do so. The comprehensive 300-page bill allows adults over 21 to use recreational cannabis and aims to transform the illicit market into a regulated, state-licensed industry. The legislation also includes provisions for expunging low-level cannabis convictions and emphasizes social equity, offering opportunities to veterans, farmers from underrepresented communities, and residents of areas heavily impacted by previous cannabis enforcement.

The new law permits adults to grow up to eight cannabis plants at home, including four mature flowering plants. This limit is relatively high compared to other states, with some having no explicit limit and others ranging between 1 to 10 ounces for personal amounts at home. According to NORML Political Director Morgan Fox, such higher limits are preferable to avoid criminalizing individuals growing cannabis for personal use without any intention of distribution.

However, local business owners express skepticism, suggesting that a two-pound home limit is excessive for personal use and may lead to illegal selling. Despite these concerns, the state’s four-plant limit is deemed insufficient by industry insiders.

Rosenfeldt’s initiative reflects the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation and public perception. Through these workshops, he is not only educating the community on cultivation techniques but also helping to normalize and integrate cannabis into everyday life in a responsible and informed manner.