Overview for Businesses

OCM is no longer accepting HDCP business registrations or changes.

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. From June 2 to August 31, OCM held a second registration period for businesses seeking to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) to consumers.

Minnesota law (section 151.72) requires that any business that sells hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) directly to consumers be registered with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). 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.

Learn more about licensure. OCM will offer a licensing window for lower-potency hemp edible retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers from October 1 to October 31, 2025.

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

OCM will accept applications for hemp business licenses [lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) licenses] from October 1 to October 31, 2025. At that time, all registered businesses who wish to continue selling LPHEs must apply for, and obtain, a license under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342.

  • Under Minnesota Statutes, section 342.18, subdivision 4, a hemp business must have been registered prior to the adoption of rules (April 14, 2025) AND be in good standing with the state to qualify for conversion to licensure.
  • Existing hemp registrants will remain governed by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 151.72 until they are officially licensed by OCM.
  • Businesses who are not registered but are interested in selling LPHE products will be eligible to apply for a license as well but will not be able to sell LPHE products until the license has been issued.

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. OCM has created a product transition period to help manage the statutory transition of product and packaging/labeling for businesses that are converting from registration to licensure

Hemp registrants should apply when OCM opens applications for LPHE licenses between October 1 and October 31, 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.

Current resources for hemp registrants under chapter 151.72

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

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