This week, cannabis business licensing in Minnesota took a huge step forward! I have updates and resources for you, whether you are preparing your license application (due March 14) or got notice that you have a limited time to correct an application you submitted this fall. And, micros whose application was already reviewed by OCM in the fall are getting notice that they can move to the next step!

Layle and I have a couple more slots available for full-service application clients, but we’re closing our roster tomorrow (2/21). While it is an investment—$22,500 for VIP and $18,500 for Standard—both include Layle’s top-tier SOPs and compliance best practices. If you want to take the paperwork off your plate as much as possible and focus on building your business, email or book a time to chat with me here tomorrow morning.

Growth!

MN-OCM Updates

“Next Steps” Letters are Coming Out

I’m hearing from some social equity applicants who applied in August 2024 (in particular, microbusinesses) that they have received the long-awaited email from OCM stating that they can move to the next steps towards opening their business!

I’m so excited to see micros opening the market in Minnesota. Depending on whether they already have a location and how long the zoning approval process and OCM’s site inspection take, we may see a few opening this summer. I propose a group tour!

Along with the license application, MN-OCM also gave us some good guidance this week on what they will require for the next steps for all businesses towards being able to open their doors! Here’s their “Chutes and Ladders” summary:

Deficiency Letters are Coming Out

And, I’m hearing from some social equity applicants who applied in August 2024 that they have received the long-awaited email from OCM explaining why their applications were denied and offering them an opportunity to correct their application. Generally, these give the applicant 14 calendar days to submit corrected documents through the Accela licensing portal.

Got one of these and want help reviewing or completing it? Let me know ASAP. I’m charging $500 for the ones I’ve seen so far, or less if you don’t want me to submit the corrected paperwork. FYI it might cost more / I may not be able to take on the work if you need more substantial assistance or if you have TPII issues.

Form of Application Available; License Window Open

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has released the form of application to become a licensed cannabis business in Minnesota. It will accept applications Feb. 18 - March 14, so this is a crucial time for those who wish to obtain licenses to sell, manufacture, and/or grow cannabis commercially to prepare and submit an application.

Key Links:

• OCM Main licensing page;

• Application Review and Qualifications Guidance (Overview of application requirements and process, and then a detailed rubric for each section of the app).

• Jen’s summary from the special newsletter all about the application on Feb. 17

Other Resources for license writers:
The recording of yesterday’s webinar, Tackle the Minnesota App, is now available to buy ($50). Access it here! It is full of valuable information about how to organize your efforts, what OCM is looking for, and recommendations for where to start.

As announced at the end of that webinar, I’m offering a package of resources for people writing their own licenses, the Micro License Launchpad. The first mastermind meets next Wednesday! Email me at [email protected] to sign up.

Alternatively, Layle and I have a couple more slots available for full-service application clients, but are closing the list TOMORROW, Friday (2/21). While it is an investment—$22,500 for VIP and $18,500 for Standard—both include Layle’s top-tier SOPs and compliance best practices. If you want to take the paperwork off your plate as much as possible and focus on building your business, book a time to chat with me tomorrow morning, or email me ASAP.

OCM “Office Hours”

OCM has announced that it “will host a series of virtual office hours to go over license types with interested individuals during the license application window. These virtual office hours will take place from 4-5 p.m. on the following dates. Registration is required. OCM cannot and will not provide legal or business advice to individuals. Please register online using the links below.”

• Register for Microbusiness, Mezzobusiness, and Retailer Application Guidance, Feb. 20

• Register for Testing Facility, Manufacturer, Cultivator and Wholesaler Application Guidance, Feb. 25

• Register for Transporter and Delivery Service Application Guidance, Feb. 27

Cannabis News

Minnesota

Many news outlets did stories about the application period opening. Here is the Star Tribune’s (gift article so no paywall) (Feb. 18, 2025). It quotes OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel: “Getting licenses into the hands of business owners is our priority and today marks another step towards opening Minnesota’s cannabis market,” said OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel in a news release. “There is a great deal of interest from business owners who want to get started in this new space. We’re looking forward to working with applicants to take the crucial next steps in becoming licensed so they can make their businesses a reality.”

The White Earth Band of Chippewa is planning an off-reservation cannabis dispensary in Moorhead, once compacts are signed with the State of Minnesota, and is working on another location in St. Cloud (gift link) (Star Tribune, Feb. 7, 2025). Those compacts are expected to allow each of Minnesota’s tribes to open 5 off-reservation dispensaries, and are expected to be announced as final sometime in March.

National

Federal rescheduling looks farther away than ever, with Trump appointing an anti-cannabis hardliner as the new head of the DEA (Green Market Report). A group of doctors have filed a lawsuit in an attempt to use the courts to push the DEA forward.

A research study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has found that states with medical cannabis programs saw less opioid misuse and use disorder, reports 420intel (Jan. 22, 2025)

Upcoming Events

The weekly Industry CannaClub at Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery is a great time to make connections! It’s every Wednesday from 5-9 PM.

Next week (Wed. 2/26) features BLOOM Magazine, our new magazine about Minnesota cannabis. I’ll hope to see you there!

The national Lucky Leaf Convention is returning to Minneapolis next weekend! Many national and regional companies are coming to town to learn more about Minnesota’s market and meet its entrepreneurs. There’s an expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 28 -Saturday, March 1, plus speakers.

I’ll be co-teaching a session on Minnesota licensing and compliance in the Pre-Show Crash Course, which is all day Thursday, Feb. 27.

And our friends over at Canna Connect are throwing a Lucky Leaf after-party on Friday night! Tickets 

I get asked about resources for banking and capital-raising a lot! Here’s a free webinar I’m doing on March 6 with industry leader Green Check. We’ll go beyond the “find a cannabis-friendly bank” advice and get into financing and lending options!

Have events you’d like to include in my next newsletter? Please email me an image and a link, as applicable, to [email protected] 

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