Minnesota law (section 151.72) requires that any business that sells hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) directly to consumers register with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) before selling any of these products. This includes establishments that sell THC beverages as well as out-of-state businesses that sell online to Minnesota customers.
Registered retailers can only sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products in the form of an edible or a beverage for human consumption, or products that are for external use only (including topicals) and are labeled as such. The retailer must verify the purchaser’s age through a valid state-issued driver’s license or identification card, Tribal identification card, passport, instructional permit, or Canadian driver’s license. It is illegal to sell these products to people under 21 years old.
After a lengthy education and promotion campaign, OCM closed the hemp registration system on April 14, 2025, following the adoption of rules governing Minnesota’s cannabis industry, which set in place OCM’s ability to issue business licenses. On June 2, OCM will resume accepting registrations for businesses seeking to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) to consumers. The window will remain open until August 31, making it possible for unregistered businesses to become eligible to sell HDCPs (including hemp-derived THC beverages), during the busy summer season.
In addition to accommodating new registrants, this June 2 to August 31 window offers an opportunity for current registrants to update previously submitted registrations.
Register your HDCP business by completing the HDCP Business Registration Form by August 31, 2025. If you have more than one location, please register each one separately.
Update your existing HDCP registration by submitting an HDCP Business Registration Change Form by August 31, 2025.
Learn more about licensure. A separate licensing process for hemp business licensing will be available in fall 2025.
Email cannabis.info@state.mn.us.
OCM oversees compliance and enforcement. Use this online form to file a complaint.
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.
Once licensed, all LPHE license holders must adhere to chapter 342, including requirements to source LPHEs from licensed lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers (LPHE-M) and cannabis businesses, or imported from out of state by either a cannabis wholesaler or a lower-potency hemp edible wholesaler (LPHE-W) license holder.
Businesses currently operating under the hemp registration and applying for a cannabis business license must comply with chapter 342—including as it relates to LPHEs—immediately upon obtaining their license.
Hemp registrants should apply when OCM opens applications for LPHE licenses in fall 2025. At the close of the initial LPHE application period, OCM will begin enforcement actions against unlicensed sellers of hemp-derived products, who have not submitted an LPHE license application, are not in the application process for a cannabis business license or have not successfully obtained a cannabis business license. The registrant will be permitted to sell for 30 days after the window opens. After the LPHE application window closes, hemp businesses who do not have a pending LPHE application will no longer be permitted to sell hemp-derived products under Minnesota Statutes, section 151.72.
OCM has created these informational and educational materials to help support your business, every step of the way.
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