Building the Industry While Flying the Plane: A Conversation with Carol Moss

We sat down with Carol Moss from Hellmuth & Johnson at Lucky Leaf, and the conversation felt like a reflection of where Minnesota cannabis stands right now.

Fast moving. Uncertain. And full of people willing to figure it out anyway.

“We’re Building the Plane While Flying It”

Early in the conversation, Carol said something that stuck:

“I feel like we’re building the plane as we’re flying it.”

That one line pretty much sums up what it’s like to operate in cannabis right now, especially in a market like Minnesota.

New laws.
New agencies.
New interpretations.

And not a lot of precedent to lean on.

For operators, that means constant adaptation.
For attorneys like Carol, it means navigating gray areas in real time and helping clients make informed decisions without always having clear answers.

The Reality of Cannabis Law in Minnesota

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was hearing just how complex the legal landscape really is.

It’s not just state law.
It’s federal law.
Local regulations.
Agency interpretation.

And all of it is evolving.

As Carol explained, even when you feel confident in your interpretation, there’s still uncertainty until regulators respond.

There’s no scoreboard until a penalty gets called.

That reality makes having the right legal guidance more than helpful. It makes it essential.

Fighting for the Industry, Not Just Clients

What stood out most wasn’t just Carol’s knowledge. It was her commitment to the broader industry.

We talked about the work she and her team did pushing back on restrictions around shipping hemp products. Not just for one client, but for the industry as a whole.

That effort brought together multiple businesses to make the case that access matters.

Especially in rural communities where traditional distribution doesn’t always reach.

It wasn’t about winning for one company. It was about creating a fair environment for everyone building in the space.

A Community Built Through Connection

There was also a full-circle moment in the conversation.

Carol shared that many of her early connections in the cannabis space came from Canna Connect events years ago. People she met casually are now part of the foundation of Minnesota’s cannabis ecosystem.

It’s a reminder that this industry isn’t just being built in boardrooms.

It’s being built in rooms, at events, through conversations, and over time.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Carol is optimistic.

She sees a market that’s still early, still forming, and still full of opportunity.

And more importantly, she sees people who care about building something that lasts.

Not just for today, but for generations.

If you’re looking to connect with Carol or learn more about the work her team is doing, you can reach her through Hellmuth & Johnson here: https://hjlawfirm.com/minneapolis-attorneys/carol-r-m-moss/

We appreciate Carol Moss and the team at Hellmuth & Johnson for continuing to show up, support operators, and help shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

You can watch the full conversation here: