On June 5, 2025, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management ("OCM") held its first lottery for applicants seeking cannabis business license types that are available in limited quantities. This marks the first grant of potential licenses to 249 applicants for cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, and mezzobusiness licenses.
A second lottery for retail licenses is scheduled for late July. In addition, over the coming weeks, applicants for "uncapped" license types—such as the popular microbusiness license—will continue to receive word about preliminary license approval.
These lotteries mark the most significant milestones to date for aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs seeking to become legitimate licensed cannabis businesses. However, additional regulatory and operational hurdles loom, even after preliminary licenses are awarded.
Retail licensees and endorsement holders must now tackle zoning compliance, secure suitable property, and navigate local municipal regulations before passing a state inspection and ultimately opening their doors to their cannabis business—all of which must be completed in 18 months.
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