Minnesota recently became the 24th state to legalize recreational cannabis. While licenses aren’t issued yet, the availability of 16 different types of licenses provides an excellent opportunity to enter the thriving cannabis industry. If you’re considering joining this market, now is the perfect time to start planning to open a dispensary and start the business on the right footing.
In this post, we’re going to discuss different type of cannabis licenses and how to apply for a dispensary license in Minnesota.
Type of Cannabis Licenses in Minnesota?
- Medical
- Recreational
Can I Apply for a Dispensary License Now in Minnesota?
The application window for a dispensary license in Minnesota is not open yet. However, as per the latest guidelines, the Office of Cannabis Management Board (OCM) plans to start accepting cannabis business license applications in 2025 and 2024 for hemp licenses. But we don’t know the exact date yet, it’s likely to happen in the first half of the next year. If you’re determined to join this thriving industry, you can prepare a robust application, concentrating on scoring criteria to increase your chances of securing a license.
What Do You Mean by Dispensary License in Minnesota?
Cannabis dispensaries go by the legal name Retailers in Minnesota. Just like any other cannabis license holders, retailers need to follow state regulations to operate lawfully. As a Retailer in Minnesota, there are specific rules, including limits on the concentration of products sold. Interestingly, when you secure a dispensary license in Minnesota, you generally cannot hold any other license types, with a few exceptions. Despite this constraint, the perk is that a retailer can manage up to 5 retail locations under one license.
What Types of Medical Cannabis Business Licenses in Minnesota?
There are five types of medical cannabis business license in Minnesota.
- Cultivator
- Processor
- Retailer
- Manufacturer
- Combination Business
What Types of Recreational Cannabis Business Licenses in Minnesota?
- Cultivator
- Manufacturer
- Retailer
- Wholesaler
- Microbusiness
- Mezzobusiness
- Delivery Service
- Event Organizer
Who Can Apply for a Dispensary License Application in Minnesota?
For your Minnesota dispensary license application, ensure you’re at least 21 years old and possess the required documents. Demonstrate financial eligibility and maintain a clean criminal record to complete the submission process successfully.
The legislation prioritizes business license applications from social equity applicants, including those with past cannabis convictions, family members of such individuals, service-disabled veterans, and residents of areas with disproportionate cannabis enforcement. It also extends to emerging farmers and residents of areas with high poverty rates for at least five years.
What are the Cannabis License Application Requirements in Minnesota?
- Proof of being a social equity applicant
- Applicant’s name, address, and date of birth
- Ownership and control disclosure
- Bankruptcy history disclosure
- Business address and legal property description
- Documentation proving legal possession of the operating premises
- Premises diagram, including a security drawing
- Details on training and education provided to employees
- Copy of the security plan
- Proof of trade name registration
- A diversity plan outlining goals for diversity in ownership, management, employment, and contracting
- Copy of business policies ensuring compliance with the chapter
- Business plan outlining size, growth, record-keeping methods, knowledge, experience, environmental plan, and other financial and operational details
- Attestation from a labor organization confirming a labor peace agreement
- Certification of compliance with chapter requirements for cannabis business ownership and operation
- Identification of controlling persons or managerial employees as agents for communication with the office
- Statement of agreement to respond to the office’s supplemental requests for information.
What is the Medical License Fee in Minnesota?
| License Type | Application fee | Initial License Fee | Renewal License Fee |
| Cultivator | $250 | – | – |
| Processor | $250 | – | – |
| Retailer | $250 | – | – |
| Combination Business | $10,000 | $20,000 | $70,000 |
What is the Recreational License Fee in Minnesota?
| License Type | Application fee | Initial License Fee | Renewal License Fee |
| Cultivator | $10,000 | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Manufacturer | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Retailer | $2,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Wholesaler | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Transporter | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Testing Facility | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Event Organizer | $750 | $750 | – |
| Delivery Service | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Microbusiness | $500 | – | $2,000 |
| Mezzobusiness | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
What is the License Scoring Criteria in Minnesota?
The OCM will allocate licenses through a merit-based scoring system, considering the following categories:
Social Equity applicant
Business plan
Security plan
Financial plan
Employee training plan
Environmental and waste disposal plan
Veteran status
Record-keeping plan
Labor and employment practices
The OCM will transparently disclose the points allocated in each category, with Social Equity applicants securing a minimum of 20% of the total points. The overall number of licenses granted will be determined by market stability.
How Can Cure8 Help?
Cure8 is a full spectrum IT and security services provider, dedicated to assisting cannabis businesses at every stage of their journey. Our team consists skilled and experienced experts ready to support you with your IT requirements, from the launch of your cannabis business and beyond.
If you want to know more, get in touch with our experts here.
