Minnesota lawmakers approved legislation Feb. 21 that would open up a new market for hemp growers.

The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee advanced HF2996, sponsored by Rep. Samantha Vang (D), in a 13-0 vote, which would allow hemp extracts to be used as a food additive.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) would be responsible for regulating the testing, labeling, production, and manufacturing of such products, as well as the dosing levels for the food additives, the Minnesota Legislature reported.