OCM's first license; good news from Texas

North Star Cannabis Consulting Newsletter

Jen Reise
June 26, 2025

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Hello from Denver, where I’m meeting industry professionals and also exploring CO’s newest cannatourism offerings: cannabuses (portable smoking lounges that can pull up to a brewery like a food truck does), and the new Cirrus Social Lounge. Mochi also got to visit a little dispensary that sells medical on one side and rec on the other. Follow us on Insta for more!

Below: good news from Texas for the hemp-derived THC industry, upcoming licensing windows for events, testing, and LPHE, and more.

Jen Randolph Reise (photo by Angela Knox)

MINNESOTA CANNABIS NEWS

First License Issued

On June 18th, MN OCM announced that it issued the first cannabis license in the state of Minnesota. The first license was issued to a microbusiness in Pine County whose initial primary business activity will be outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants. Congratulations Herb-Quest LLC!

Change in Ownership Guidance

MN OCM has issued guidance for those looking to change their ownership structure. There are different requirements based on whether the change is being made prior to or after a cannabis license has been issued.

Jen’s take: I talked to OCM about this guidance on Tuesday. Basically, you cannot sell/transfer a preliminary license approval - but you can add owner/investors and otherwise change who owns the LLC, in careful compliance with social equity % requirements (if applicable) and true party in interest rules.

License Application Window for Events opens August 1

On August 1, OCM will begin accepting applications for event organizer licenses.

Additional Testing License Window

Also on August 1, OCM will open a new and ongoing application window for cannabis testing facilities.

Licensure for LPHE this Fall

OCM will begin accepting applications for hemp business licenses (lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) licenses) in fall 2025. At that time, the hemp registration system will end and all registered businesses who wish to continue selling LPHEs will be required to apply for, and obtain, a license under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342.

OTHER MN UPDATES

Congratulations to Jacob Schlichter for this nice interview about the retail dispensary he plans to open soon!

OTHER CANNABIS NEWS

Around the U.S.

Texas:

A good surprise: Texas governor vetoed the hemp ban! He also signed into law an expansion of Texas’ medical program.

The Fort-Worth Telegram reports that, "Lawmakers will head back to Austin on July 21 for a special legislative session on several issues, including regulating consumable hemp products that contain THC."

Jen’s take: This is a dramatic new development in the Texas saga. Abbott vetoed the bill, which would have devastated the hemp-derived THC industry in Texas, with just hours left to do so. Internal Texas politics were a huge factor. I’m glad that Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC businesses will be able to continue to sell into Texas. And now we’ll see if Texas actually can consider some sensible reforms.

But, California:

Cultivated Live reports that, “California wants to double down on the hemp ban”. The state's Department of Public Health proposed a permanent ban on all hemp THC products, building off the emergency ban that Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted last year. The department estimates that its ban will cause a $602 million drop in revenue from business in the first year. SF Gate has more on the potential impacts.

Also of Interest

The founder of RAW papers is reviving High Times.

Why nicknames for cannabis are going up in smoke.

At The Health Center in Denver, a combination med & rec dispensary with quality 1/8ths for $25

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