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February 4, 2025
In this issue:
News and Updates
Resources and Reminders
News and updates
Office of Cannabis Management will accept cannabis business license applications beginning February 18
Today, the Office of Cannabis Management (announced it will accept applications for cannabis business licenses beginning February 18 and ending March 14. During this license cycle, OCM will accept applications both from verified social equity applicants and from any applicant seeking to participate in general licensing in the following license types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business. Applications for cannabis event organizer licenses will be accepted later this summer; applications for lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer licenses and lower-potency hemp edible retailer licenses will be accepted in the fall.
“Prospective business owners are eager to get started, and applying for a license sets them on a path to launching their business,” said Eric Taubel, OCM interim director. “Getting licenses out the door and into the hands of qualified applicants is our priority as we approach the launch of Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis industry.”
Read the full press release at the following link: Office of Cannabis Management will accept cannabis business license applications beginning February 18.
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Public comment period for rules
Last month, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that it published a notice of intent to adopt expedited rules. Members of the public can submit formal comments through Feb. 12 on draft rules that will complete the regulatory framework for Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. A copy of the proposed rules has been published in the State Register and may be viewed at OCM’s Rulemaking webpage.
The public can submit comments through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) website until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Instructions on how to use the system are available on the OAH website.
Check out OCM’s legislative reports
OCM’s legislative reports are now available! Use the links below to access the annual report, information on cannabis consumer demand, and a report on OCM’s grant programs.
New study of Minnesota’s medical cannabis program shows patients finding pain relief
Patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program are finding a noticeable change in pain relief within four months of receiving medical cannabis, according to a new study conducted by researchers at OCM.
This study analyzed data from 9,961 patients enrolled in the medical cannabis program with a pain-related condition between March 2, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023. The new report draws on data from patient enrollment, medical cannabis purchases, symptom and side-effect ratings at the time of each purchase, and survey results to describe the experiences of patients who qualify for one of the chronic pain-related medical conditions.
For more information, check out the press release.
Learn more about the OCM division of social equity
As you may know, the OCM Division of Social Equity promotes development, stability, and safety in communities that have experienced a disproportionate, negative impact from cannabis prohibition and usage. The Division of Social Equity's work is guided by Minnesota Statutes, section 342.01, subdivision 29 which outlines their key responsibilities:
- Community engagement and grants: Engage with communities and administer grants to promote economic development, improve social determinants of health, prevent violence, support early intervention programs for youth and families and enhance community stability and safety.
- License transfer oversight: The transfer of a license issued as a social equity license must be reviewed by the Division of Social Equity and is subject to prior written approval by the office.
- Ombudsperson role: Acting as an ombudsperson for OCM, the division provides information, investigates complaints, and facilitates dispute resolutions. Complaints can be submitted using the Enforcement Complaint Form or by emailing complaints.ocm@state.mn.us.
- Reporting on social equity: The division reports to the office on the status of complaints and social equity in the cannabis industry.
While the division is focused on serving social equity communities and verified individuals, they know that achieving true equity requires partnership. Equity is not just the work of one division but a collective effort that involves all of us. Whether it’s hiring, engaging suppliers, or building business partnerships with individuals and organizations from social equity communities, everyone has a role to play in restoring the harm caused by prohibition.
If you’d like to connect with the OCM Division of Social Equity or learn more about how you can support this work, please email cannabisequity@state.mn.us.
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Virtual office hours series on license types
OCM 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.
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Local governments – please review to prepare for zoning compliance certification requests!
OCM has posted updated guidance for local government partners as part of the Frequently Asked Questions page. These updates reflect new questions we have been receiving as we continue our licensing process. We will continue to update FAQs as we navigate the next steps in licensing to ensure that local governments have the tools and resources they need. As always, you can reach out to cannabis.info@state.mn.us with questions that are not covered yet in the FAQ section.
The updated FAQs also include updated information regarding the option for local units of government interested in applying for a license to operate a municipal cannabis store.
As a reminder, OCM is asking local units of government to fill out a Contact and Delegation Form and register for an Accela account. Accela is the tool that OCM will use to communicate with local governments to ensure businesses are compliant with local zoning ordinances. We ask each local unit of government to:
To complete these two requests, please visit our new Contact and Delegation Form & Accela Account Registration Process webpage. This page includes instructions and background information to help our partners with these steps. We are grateful for your time and partnership as we continue to prepare for the implementation of the adult-use licensing framework.
As always, check out the office’s Local Governments webpage for additional guidance and toolkit resources compiled specifically for local government partners.
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