Minnesota's new Office of Cannabis Management is backing a billthat would allow some businesses to get a "head start" in the industry by applying for temporary licenses issued as earlier as July.
Interim director of the office, Charlene Briner, said the proposal is to ensure successful implementation as the rulemaking process continues. Only people who meet the criteria for a "social equity" applicant would qualify and there would be a finite number of temporary licenses available. If applications exceed that amount, there would be a lottery.
Briner stressed that securing one of these early licenses does not mean business operations will start any sooner—cultivators can't suddenly start putting seeds in the ground, and retail dispensaries won't be able to open their doors yet. But it would allow business owners to buy property, secure financial capital, hire staff and put together safety plans, which will position them well for the target market launch of next year.
"We want to create an early mover advantage in support of successfully standing up the cannabis industry," she said. "We believe in the social equity opportunities that the law creates. We also want to give people a chance to actually start doing some of the pre-work that is involved in standing up a very complicated business."
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