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Cannabis Licensing Moves Forward Across Minnesota
Cities can expect to hear from applicants as the state issues approvals and updates local government resources.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued its first cannabis business license in June and preliminarily approved more than 1,000 applicants. Many of these businesses are starting to reach out to cities as they secure locations and move forward with completing the application process.
Local government resources
OCM’s A Guide for Local Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis and Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Licenses (pdf) is now in Version 4.0, with updates reflecting recent law changes and frequently asked questions from local government officials. OCM also shares regular updates and reminders through its OCM Insider newsletter, designed specifically for local governments.
Licensing updates
The licenses that OCM has preliminarily approved are not tied to specific locations — OCM does not yet know where businesses intend to operate. Approved applicants have 18 months to move from preliminary approval to full licensure.
OCM’s new resource From Start to License: Your Path to Cannabis Licensing in Minnesota (pdf), outlines the full licensing process. Once an applicant submits a site registration, they should be no more than 90 days out from opening.
In June, OCM issued the state’s first full cannabis license to a business in Brook Park. As of now, eight cannabis businesses are fully licensed in Minnesota.
Upcoming application windows
- Aug. 1: OCM will open a new, ongoing application window for cannabis testing facilities and cannabis event organizer licenses. The event organizer license allows for the planning and hosting of temporary cannabis-related events. Cannabis events must be for adults age 21 and over, and cannot involve alcohol sales or consumption. OCM has launched a dedicated webpage related to hosting cannabis events.
- Oct. 1: OCM will begin accepting applications for lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) licenses for LPHE retailers, LPHE manufacturers, and LPHE wholesalers. Cities that sell these products through a municipal liquor store will need to apply for this license. For more information and to view the list of currently registered businesses, visit OCM’s hemp-derived products webpage.