Minnesota Cannabis Business Licenses
Minnesota Adult-Use Legalization Signed into Law
After an active 2023 legislative session on adult-use bills, the governor signed the bill that landed on his desk that is backed by strong voter support.
Start Planning Your Minnesota Cannabis Business Now
Advance planning is time well-spent for those planning to apply for a license in Minnesota. Cannabis entrepreneurs who take the early step of starting business planning and financial modeling now will hold a competitive advantage when more details and applications become available.
Let our Minnesota cannabis consultants who have helped clients win cannabis licenses across the country guide you through early planning for your cannabis business.
Contact our cannabis license application experts now.
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How to Apply For An Adult-Use License in Minnesota
Since adult-use legislation made its way through the approval process, these are other top actions to take now before you can officially apply for a cannabis business license in Minnesota:
- Start business planning and financial modeling
- Build community relationships and support
- Complete foundational steps before the application is released
- Start planning your team of cannabis experts
- Watch for regulations
- Be ready to apply as soon as the application is released
What is the Adult-Use License Timeline in Minnesota?
Social Equity Licenses: Your Timeline Starts Now
Through a new report submitted to the Minnesota Legislature, the OCM stated its interest in creating an expedited licensing process in that will allow those who qualify as social equity businesses to apply for a temporary license. The application and expedited regulations are expected to be released in summer 2024 and would outline the final qualifications for social equity status as well as the application requirements for these individuals.
Adult-Use Licenses
Though there is still no solid timeline for when non-social equity cannabis applicants may expect an application, we're hopeful that a window will open shortly after to keep up with demand.
Our team of cannabis and license application experts have worked in 39 states and can read between the lines to map out a clear plan of early action while others are stuck waiting.
What is Required to Apply for a Minnesota Cannabis License?
Stay Tuned for Full Adult-Use License Application Tips
An Office of Cannabis Management will be established and will be responsible for regulating the market and issuing cannabis business licenses. Get more program details as we gather them.
Minnesota Residency and Ownership Requirements
Minnesota residency is required for individual adult-use license applicants.
Business applicants must be incorporated in the state and business entity applicants must be at least 75% owned by Minnesota residents.
Adult-Use License Types and Application Scoring in Minnesota
15 license types will be established for adult-use in Minnesota, including a new "mezzo" license.
Cannabis License Application Requirements
A number of cannabis license application requirements have already been set but could be adjusted over time:
- Address and legal property description of the business
- Documentation showing legal possession of the premises where the business will operate
- Diagram of the premises, including a security drawing
- Security plan details
- Business plan showing:
- Expected size of the business and anticipated growth
- Methods of record keeping
- Knowledge and experience of the applicant and any officer, director, manager, and general partner
- Environmental plan
- Other relevant financial and operational components
- Labor peace agreement attestation signed by a bona fide labor organization
Adult-Use License Selection Criteria
The number of licenses issued will be "enough to ensure sufficient supply"
Vertical Integration would be prohibited, with few exceptions.
The office shall award points to each completed application in the following categories:
- Status as a social equity applicant
- Status as a veteran applicant
- Craft cultivation
- Security and record keeping
- Employee training plan
- Business plan and financial situation
- Diversity plan
- Labor and employment practices
- Knowledge and experience
environmental plan
License Recommendations From The the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management
In a report submitted by the Minnesota OCM, several recommendations were made to 'reduce bottlenecks' in the application process. Besides an emphasis on creating an expedited process for social equity applicants, the OCM also recommends:
- Eliminating the need for the premises to be secured at the time of initial application.
- Removal of local government input when applying.
- Unifying medical and adult-use supply chains.
These updates to the current regulations could could impact your plan of attack when seeking a license. Be sure to consult with our cannabis experts to navigate the shifting tides you may experience during the application process.
Get Your Cannabis Business License in Minnesota
Learn how our proven expertise and unparalleled track record can successfully secure your Minnesota cannabis license.