On Tuesday, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications for cannabis business licenses, eighteen months after the state legalized marijuana for adult use. This marks a significant milestone in the implementation of Minnesota’s recreational cannabis industry, as businesses can now start the process of legally selling recreational cannabis products to consumers.
“Getting licenses into the hands of business owners is our priority. We’re looking forward to working with applicants to take the crucial next steps in becoming licensed so they can make their businesses a reality.” — Eric Taubel, Interim Director of OCM, said in a news statement. Currently, both social equity applicants and those looking to join the public license pool may access the application window.
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is now collecting licensing applications for cannabis companies in preparation for the state’s upcoming adult-use cannabis market. The application process runs from February 18 to March 14, with lotteries to choose the final license being issued not long after.after. Applicants looking to apply can go on Minnesota’s OCM website here.
OCM spokesperson Josh Collins states, “We’ll be looking at licenses being actually available for people right after the rules are formally adopted, which we expect at the end of March.” Collins also emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent process for all applicants, with a focus on promoting diversity and equity within the industry.
Currently, licensing within Minnesota’s recreational cannabis industry is available for the following business types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, processor, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical/adult-use combo. The cannabis licensing framework in Minnesota stipulates that four license categories—mezzobusiness, grower, manufacturer, and retail—are subject to strict limits, while the other six categories remain uncapped.
Separate from the general licensing pool, an initial lottery will be conducted for half of the available licenses among verified social equity candidates for the restricted license categories. If an applicant enters the social equity lottery but does not win, their information will be added to the general licensing pool.
Additional licensing opportunities will become available later in the year. In the summer, Minnesota officials anticipate opening the application process for licenses to host cannabis events. These events will help to shape Minnesota’s recreational cannabis market by providing educational concepts for users to learn more about the plant, as well as safe consumption spaces.
As Minnesota’s recreational cannabis industry continues to evolve, these licensing opportunities will play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access and representation within the market. By prioritizing social equity candidates and fostering a diverse range of businesses, the state is taking proactive steps towards creating a sustainable and inclusive cannabis industry for all stakeholders involved.
