Minnesota Cannabis Business Licenses

Minnesota Adult-Use Legalization Looks Promising For 2023

Minnesota stands a good chance of broadening their current, restrictive medical marijuana program to adult-use legalization this year. Despite some expansion since passing in 2014, the Minnesota program has continued to lag behind the strong voter support in the state which recent polling tracked at 61% for adult-use legalization.

Adult-use legalization stands out as a hot topic in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session, with a flurry of committee approvals and revisions in both chambers. Given Democratic-Farmer-Labor party control of both the House and Senate along with some bipartisan backing, legislative supporters are confident that final approval for legalization is probable for this year’s session. Governor Tim Walz (D) further demonstrated support and expectation through his budget request that included funds for implementing adult-use legalization.

 

Start Planning Your Minnesota Cannabis Business Now

While the legislature continues to both amend and move adult-use bills forward, 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.

Top Minnesota Cannabis Consulting Services

How to Apply For An Adult-Use License in Minnesota

While adult-use legislation is still making its way through the approval process, contacting state legislators to show support is an important – and easy – step for cannabis entrepreneurs to take.

These are other top actions to take now before you can officially apply for a cannabis business license in Minnesota:

  1. Start business planning and financial modeling
  2. Build community relationships and support
  3. Complete foundational steps before the application is released
  4. Start planning your team of cannabis experts
  5. Watch for final approval and regulations
  6. Be ready to apply as soon as the application is released

Minneapolis Minnesota

What is the Adult-Use License Timeline in Minnesota?

Minnesota State Capitol Closeup

The timeline starts now.

The 2023 Minnesota legislative session continues until May 22. Depending on the version of the bill that is passed, official program rollout and application timelines could be released quickly, or building out departments and regulations could take many months.

Either way, the timeline for preparation will pass quickly as gathering the required documentation, teams, and showcasing your qualifications is always a heavy lift. That’s why we emphasize "start now."

Our team of cannabis and license application experts have worked in 36 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?

Sample Requirements and Specifics in Draft Bills:

(subject to change as legislation makes it way through the approval process)

An Office of Cannabis Management would be established, and it would be responsible for regulating the market and issuing cannabis business licenses.

 

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

13 license types will be established for adult-use in Minnesota

 

Cannabis License Application Requirements

  1. Address and legal property description of the business
  2. Documentation showing legal possession of the premises where the business will operate
  3. Diagram of the premises, including a security drawing
  4. Security plan details
  5. Business plan showing:
    1. Expected size of the business and anticipated growth
    2. Methods of record keeping
    3. Knowledge and experience of the applicant and any officer, director, manager, and general partner
    4. Environmental plan
    5. Other relevant financial and operational components
  6. 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

 

Other License Criteria And Future Developments:

Applicants living in low-income neighborhoods and military veterans who lost honorable status due to cannabis-related offenses would qualify as social equity applicants

Check back often for updates on progress of Minnesota’s adult-use legislation and remember to start planning sooner rather than later.

Get Your Cannabis Business License in Minnesota

Learn how our proven expertise and unparalleled track record can successfully secure your Minnesota cannabis license.

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