Overview for Businesses

Minnesota law requires that any business that sells hemp-derived cannabinoid products 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 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.

Please note that new registrations are not allowed per Minnesota Statutes, following the adoption of rules governing Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis industry. The rules were adopted on April 14, 2025.

Learn more about licensure. A separate licensing process will be available in the future and announced when available.

Questions?

Email cannabis.info@state.mn.us.

Complaints

OCM oversees compliance and enforcement. Use this online form to file a complaint.

What to know about registration to license conversion

Any registered businesses currently selling HDCPs that want to continue selling these products legally must be registered pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 342.02, subdivision 5, prior to the adoption of rules, and will have to convert to a lower-potency hemp edible retailer license or other license type that allows such business activities when business licenses are available.

Only businesses that are registered with OCM and are in good standing with the state are eligible for license conversion. The online registration portal closed when the rules for Minnesota's cannabis industry were adopted on April 14. Any unregistered business that wants to sell HDCPs have to wait to apply for a license during a regular licensing round.

Resources

OCM has created these informational and educational materials to help support your business, every step of the way.

The Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Product Compliance fact sheet (PDF) provides information on products allowed/products not allowed, packaging, labeling, and more. See the Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Product Compliance Quick Guide (PDF) for an additional resource.
The Cannabis Flower and Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products Inspection Checklist (PDF) outlines the steps needed to stay compliant and prepare for future inspections.
The Hemp-Derived Edible Cannabinoid Products Guidance for Manufacturers (PDF) was developed in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to provide information for food business operators about producing safe and legal hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
The Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Product Testing Guidance (PDF) lists the analytes and their maximum allowable levels and the allowable potency variance when testing hemp-derived cannabinoid product (edibles, beverages, and topicals) in their final product form.
The Navigating Hemp Licensing (PDF) chart outlines what registered hemp-derived cannabinoid product retailers or manufactures will need to do once rules are adopted depending on what type of business activities they would like to participate in. Retail registrations do not automatically convert to lower-potency hemp licenses. Businesses currently registered will have to apply for licenses.

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