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June 2, 2025

New Guidance about HDCP Registration to License Conversion and Lower-Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) Licenses

Dear Registered Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Business:

This communication is to inform you of new guidance materials available on the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) website, and of an opportunity to update your business information related to your hemp derived cannabinoid product (HDCP) retailer registration, if needed.

OCM will accept registrations from new businesses, as well as changes to existing registrations, between now and August 31, 2025. This is your final chance to make changes to your registration. Your business registration must accurately reflect your business name, the address where you do business and ownership. Please note: If you have already registered to be an HDCP retailer you do not need to register again. Please consult the list of registrants on the Information for Registered Businesses webpage to check if you are already registered.

No new registrations or changes to registration will be accepted beginning September 1, 2025, as OCM prepares for the conversion from a registration system to a full business license for lower-potency hemp edible retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers.

As you may know, businesses already registered with OCM to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products may convert their registration by applying for a lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) license during the October licensing period, as long as their registration is in good standing with OCM and they apply while the license application window is open. Registered businesses selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products may continue sales under Minnesota Statutes, section 151.72 until their LPHE or cannabis business license is issued. Registrants who do not apply for licensure must immediately cease all sales of hemp-derived cannabinoid products on October 31, 2025.

These guides will help you keep your business in compliance and prepare for the transition to licensure:

The Hemp Registrant to License Holder Conversion Guide informs businesses who wish to continue selling hemp products about how to stay in compliance until they are licensed as either a hemp or cannabis business. The guide provides an overview of the transition process for current hemp registrants, product types, packaging and labeling requirements, product testing requirements, facility requirements, onsite consumption rules, and information on events and deliveries.

Businesses planning on applying for an LPHE license this fall are encouraged to read the Hemp Businesses in Minnesota: A guide for lower-potency hemp edible license applicants. This guide goes over the legal framework, the supply chain, registration requirements, licensing timelines, LPHE license types, endorsements, certifications, local government considerations, beginning business operations, allowable business activities, and product requirements.

Both guides can be found on our website, along with other resources, on the Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products Overview webpage.

Questions can be sent to the Office of Cannabis Management at cannabis.info@state.mn.us.