Minnesota receives over 3,500 cannabis business license applications

Minnesotas Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has reported that more than 3,500 applications for cannabis business licenses were received, which marks a significant milestone on the way of the state to create a regulated marijuana market.

Reflections in applications

• Social equity applicants: 1,444 applications remain active after the cancellation of an earlier license lottery.

• New submissions: In a one-month window that was closed on March 16, another 2,085 applications were submitted, including 297 social equity applications and 1,788 general applications.

These applications include different license types such as retailers, cultivation and manufacturer licenses.

License process and expectations

The OCM is currently checking applications to ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants who are looking for licenses without a statutory upper limit – such as microbusiness, wholesalers and delivery services – can pursue after approval. Lotteries for May and June are temporarily planned for license types with limited availability.

The number of final licenses can decrease if the OCM evaluates applications, whereby some applicants may not meet any qualifications or decide to withdraw.