Minnesota’s Cannabis Office Initiates Grant Program for Communities Affected by Prohibition

LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has introduced the CanRenew Community Restoration Grants, a program designed to support communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis prohibition policies. In 2025, the program will allocate up to $1 million, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per project.

Eligible organizations—including nonprofits, tribal entities, educational institutions, local government units, private businesses, and community groups—are encouraged to apply. The grants aim to fund initiatives in areas such as economic development, public health, violence prevention, youth development, and civil legal aid.

To qualify, organizations must serve areas where residents meet social equity criteria, such as high cannabis conviction rates, elevated poverty levels, or median family incomes below 80% of the statewide median. Applications are being accepted through the OCM’s website until March 24, with grant recipients expected to be announced in the spring.

OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel stated, “This grant program is a significant step toward the OCM’s aim to establish an inclusive and equitable cannabis ecosystem that creates possibilities for marginalized groups and those affected by the war on drugs.”