Hemp Business Resources

The lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) business licensing application window is now closed. The deadline to complete and submit LPHE business license applications and application fee was noon (12 p.m.) CDT on Friday, October 31. OCM can no longer accept applications. The next window for submitting applications for LPHE licenses is expected in early 2026.

Learn more about licensure.

What to know about registration to license conversion

OCM is no longer accepting applications for lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) licenses. All registered businesses who wish to continue selling LPHEs must have applied for a license before noon CDT Oct. 31. (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.
  • To be considered in good standing with the state of Minnesota, and therefore eligible for the registration to license conversion process, a registered business must not have any outstanding penalty balances and must have resolved any outstanding corrective actions.
  • Existing hemp registrants will remain governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 151.72 until they are officially licensed by OCM.
  • Businesses who are not registered but are interested in selling LPHE products are eligible to apply for a license during the application window as well but are not able to sell LPHE products until the license has been issued.
  • Business must be physically located in Minnesota to apply for a license.
  • LPHE retailers need to engage early with local governments to understand and complete the process for local retail registration, which must be obtained before beginning sales.
  • Submit your application before the window closes at noon CDT on October 31.

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.

OCM will begin enforcement actions against unlicensed sellers of lower-potency hemp edible products, who did not submit an LPHE license application prior to the deadline, are not in the application process for a cannabis business license or have not successfully obtained a cannabis business license. Hemp businesses who do not have a pending LPHE application are no longer permitted to sell hemp-derived products under Minnesota Statutes, section 151.72.

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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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