Minnesota Cannabis Business Licenses

A New Cannabis Market on the Horizon

On February 18, 2025, Minnesota opened their first round of cannabis license applications for general applicants. The application window closed on March 14, 2025 and cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, microbusinesses, and mezzobusinesses received preliminary licenses. Now, the licensees must find a property, finalize SOPs and submit their Final Plans of Record to the state to become fully operational. If you’re in this stage of the process, time is of the essence and you’ll want to get your plans in soon to remain competitive in this emerging market.

Full-Service Support In Partnership With Blunt Strategies

Exclusive to the Minnesota cannabis market, Canna Advisors is proud to partner with Minnesota-based Blunt Strategies to supply end-to-end cannabis business development services in the region.This partnership combines Blunt Strategies’ regional expertise in policy, advocacy, and market development with Canna Advisors’ national experience in licensing and operational strategy to empower entrepreneurs, legacy operators, and businesses at every stage.

How Blunt Strategies Expands Our Offerings

Additional Licensing & Compliance Support – Application preparation, regulatory navigation, and compliance guidance tailored to Minnesota.

Custom Business Strategy & Development – Custom plans to help businesses establish, scale, and succeed.

Proven Advocacy & Industry Engagement – Strong connections with policymakers and industry leaders to help businesses build their reputations.

Proven Cannabis Experts Working For You

As Minnesota’s cannabis market grows, this partnership ensures that businesses have the resources and expertise needed to succeed, scale, and thrive.

Whether you’re a first-time cannabis entrepreneur just trying to bring your startup to fruition or a seasoned cannabis professional looking to take advantage of Minnesota’s ripe new market, our combined consultancy teams can give you the most comprehensive chance of winning a license and ensuring long-term success.

Minnesota Adult-Use Cannabis: Where the Market Stands Now

State-licensed retailers began launching adult-use sales in mid-September 2025, accelerated by new tribal-state compacts that enable Tribally grown product to move through the state-regulated supply chain. That means real shelves, real product, and real compliance expectations—right now.

What’s Live Today

State-licensed adult-use sales: Retailers began opening doors September 16–22, 2025, marking the program’s operational kickoff beyond on-reservation tribal stores.
Tribal partnerships: Compacts (e.g., White Earth; Mille Lacs) are unlocking supply and retail collaboration between Tribes and state-licensed businesses, broadening product availability statewide.
Hemp-derived market continuity: Minnesota’s lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) operators are transitioning from registration to licensure under Chapter 342; the licensing window for LPHE businesses runs until October 31, 2025 (noon CDT). Serving-size and cannabinoid-limit updates also took effect in 2025.

Why Final Plans of Operation Matter Now More Than Ever

For those who received pre-approval during the 2025 provisional licensing round, submitting complete and compliant final plans of operation and facility details is the make-or-break step between holding a piece of paper and actually opening your doors.

From “Conditional” to “Operational”

Your pre-approval merely secured a conditional status—it does not grant authority to cultivate, manufacture, or sell. The final operations plan submission is what converts that conditional status into an active, operational license. Missing details, incomplete documents, or delayed submissions can easily result in a forfeited approval or delayed go-live date.

The State is Watching for Readiness and Credibility

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is prioritizing applicants who demonstrate immediate readiness. That means clear floor plans, compliant security layouts, validated real estate control, and complete SOPs. OCM reviewers want to see that your business can open safely, compliantly, and efficiently.

Local and Building Compliance Are Critical

Zoning verification, fire inspections, and facility readiness must all be aligned with your final plan submission. If your proposed facility deviates from what was presented in your pre-approval application, you risk triggering a major amendment—or losing your spot altogether.

Timing and Sequencing

Minnesota’s program is moving fast, and OCM has been clear: incomplete or late submissions may lose priority. With limited staff and dozens of licensees in queue, every missing attachment or unclear detail slows your review.

Consultant Tip

Treat the final plan of operation as a full audit of your readiness—include detailed narratives, site-specific SOPs, and proof of capital deployment. If it’s not complete, your project isn’t ready.

Licensing Landscape at a Glance

License types: Microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer (including municipal), wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business.
Application cycles & lotteries: The early-2025 cycle accepted both social-equity and general applicants, with lotteries used where caps applied.
Where to start: OCM’s licensing hub publishes process guidance, license summaries, and current application data—your first stop before entity formation or site selection.

Financial Modeling: Taxes & Pricing Reality

Minnesota imposes a 15% Cannabis Tax on retail gross receipts, plus the 6.875% state sales tax and any local sales tax. Canna Advisors can ensure your financial modeling is built right, including all state, federal, and employment taxes, along with realistic wholesale and retail pricing.