Minnesota Opens Application Window for Cannabis Business Licenses

LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has commenced accepting applications for various cannabis business licenses as of February 18, 2025. This marks a significant step toward establishing the state’s legal cannabis market. The application period will remain open until March 14, 2025.

License Types and Application Process

Prospective applicants can apply for licenses across multiple categories, including:

• Microbusiness
• Mezzobusiness
• Cultivator
• Manufacturer
• Retailer
• Wholesaler
• Transporter
• Testing Facility
• Delivery Service
• Medical Cannabis Combination Business

Applications are also open to municipalities interested in operating a single municipal cannabis store; these are exempt from the lottery process.

For license types with statutory caps—such as mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, and retailer—qualified applicants will enter a lottery system expected to take place in May or June 2025. Half of these licenses are reserved for verified social equity applicants, who will participate in an initial lottery. Unsuccessful social equity applicants will automatically be entered into the general lottery. License types without caps will not require a lottery; qualified applicants can proceed directly through the licensing process.

Support and Resources

To assist applicants, the OCM has provided detailed application instructions and resource documents on its website. Additionally, the office will host a series of virtual informational webinars covering specific license types during the application window. These sessions aim to guide applicants through the process and address any questions.

Next Steps

Following the application period and subsequent lotteries, the OCM will finalize rules governing the legal cannabis market. Licensed businesses must comply with local zoning ordinances, secure labor peace agreements, and pass pre-opening inspections before commencing operations. The first retail establishments are anticipated to open in early 2026.