General Licensing Process

OCM is accepting applications for cannabis event organizer licenses and cannabis business licenses.

The next window for submitting applications for LPHE licenses is expected in early 2026.

Start your license application on Accela. Note: Businesses must be physically located in Minnesota to apply for a license.

Jump to resources for applying for a cannabis business license.
Jump to resources for applying for a cannabis event organizer license.
Jump to resources for applying for a lower-potency hemp edible business license.

About general licensing

During the license cycle that closed on March 16, 2025, OCM accepted applications both from verified social equity applicants and from any applicant seeking to participate in general licensing in the following license types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer (including municipal retailers), wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business.

During the license cycle that closed on October 31, 2025, OCM accepted applications for lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) manufacturer, lower-potency hemp edible retailer, and lower-potency hemp edible wholesaler licenses.

Applications for cannabis event organizer licenses and cannabis testing facility licenses are being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing, rolling basis.

General licensing resources

Resources for Applying for a Cannabis Business License
Creation and Submission of Cannabis License Application Using Accela (updated 8/1/2025)
This guide provides guidance and instructions for people seeking a cannabis business license, including step-by-step instructions on how to register an account in Accela, complete the application steps, and submit materials for licensure.

From Start to License: Your Path to Cannabis Licensing in Minnesota (updated 7/25/2025)
This graphic provides an overview of cannabis licensing steps.

Cannabis Business License Application Review and Qualifications Guidance (updated 8/1/2025)
This guide explains what materials and information an applicant needs when filling out the application for the following cannabis business licenses: mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, microbusiness, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical combination business. This document contains details about what application reviewers will look for to establish minimum qualifications and will be the primary tool for application reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the tables in Appendix A to complete their application and ensure the information provided meets minimum qualifications.

Qualified Applicant Guide to Obtaining a License (updated 7/25/2025)
This guide provides information on the steps a qualified applicant must take following preliminary application approval in order to secure the following cannabis business licenses: mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, microbusiness, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical combination business.
- Appendix A provides instructions on how to complete your site registration.
- Appendix B provides instructions for submitting updated final plans of record during a request for more information process.
Worksheets:

The PDF documents linked below are fillable. Save the forms on your computer and then open directly in Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to complete.
- Disclosure of Ownership and Control (PDF) (updated 7/25/25)
- Capitalization Table (.xls(s)) (updated 2/14/25)
- Preliminary Security Plan (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Business Plan (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Attestation of Labor Peace Agreement (PDF) (updated 7/25/25)
- Preliminary Training and Educational Plan for Employees (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary SOP Quality Assurance (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary SOP Inventory Control, Storage, and Diversion Prevention (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary SOP Accounting and Tax Compliance (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Testing Facility (PDF) (updated 7/25/25)
Office hour webinar series:
- Microbusiness, Mezzobusiness, and Retailer Application Guidance (recorded webinar from 2/20/2025)
- Testing Facility, Manufacturer, Cultivator, and Wholesaler Application Guidance (recorded webinar from 2/25/2025)
- Transporter and Delivery Service Application Guidance (recorded webinar from 2/27/2025)
Resources for Applying for a Cannabis Event License
Guide to Cannabis Events and Licensing (updated 7/25/2025)
This guide provides information on the steps an applicant must take in order to secure a cannabis event organizer license and guidance around prohibited and permitted activities for this license type.

Cannabis Event Organizer License Application Review and Qualifications Guide (updated 7/25/2025)
This guide explains what materials and information an applicant needs when filling out the application for a cannabis event organizer license. This document contains details about what application reviewers will look for to establish minimum qualifications and will be the primary tool for application reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the tables in Appendix A to complete their application and ensure the information provided meets minimum qualifications.

Cannabis Event Diagram Instructions and Example (updated 7/25/2025)
A diagram of event layout is uploaded to the Site, Security, and Operations online fillable form as part of the cannabis event organizer license application. This document provides instructions and requirements for creating a diagram of event layout for a cannabis event as well as an example diagram.

Worksheets:

The PDF document linked below is fillable. Save the forms on your computer and then open directly in Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to complete.
- Local Approval of Cannabis Event form (PDF) (updated 6/18/25)
  - Note: This form must be completed and submitted in Accela prior to completing any other forms, including prior to the completion of the online fillable forms and the Capitalization Table.
The Excel document linked below is fillable. Save the file on your computer and then open directly in Excel to complete.
- Capitalization Table (.xls(s)) (updated 2/14/25)
  - Note: This should be completed and submitted in Accela after submitting the FPOR in Accela.
The online forms linked below are fillable. Complete each form online at the link provided. A PDF copy will be automatically emailed to you upon submission and will need to be uploaded to your application in Accela. Important: Failure to upload your completed online forms to Accela will result in your application being marked as incomplete.
Webinars:
- Navigating the Cannabis Event Organizer License (recorded webinar from 7/30/2025)
Resources for Applying for a Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Business License
Hemp Registrant to License Holder Conversion Guide (updated 9/19/25)
This guide includes an overview of next steps for current hemp-derived cannabis business registrants who plan to apply for a hemp or cannabis license.

Hemp Businesses in Minnesota: A guide for lower-potency hemp edible license applicants (updated 9/19/25)
This guide outlines the LPHE licensure timeline, types of licenses and endorsements available, allowable business activities, and product requirements.

From Start to License: Your Path to Lower-Potency Hemp Licensing in Minnesota (updated 9/19/25)
This graphic provides an overview of LPHE licensing steps and a timeline for LPHE licensing.

Lower-Potency Hemp Edible License Application Review and Qualifications Guidance (updated 9/19/25)
This guide explains what materials and information an applicant needs when filling out the application for LPHE manufacturer, retailer, or wholesaler license. This document contains details about what application reviewers will look for to establish minimum qualifications and will be the primary tool for application reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the tables in Appendix A to complete their application and ensure the information provided meets minimum qualifications.

Instructions for Diagram of Hemp Manufacturing Facility (updated 9/19/25)
This document provides instructions and requirements for creating a diagram of site layout for a LPHE manufacturing facility, as well as an example diagram.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hemp Businesses (updated 10/3/25)
This webpage includes FAQs on hemp business licensing and the application process.

Worksheets:

The online form linked below is fillable. Complete the form online at the link provided once you are preliminarily approved. A PDF copy will be automatically emailed to you upon submission and will need to be uploaded to your application in Accela. Important: Failure to upload your completed online forms to Accela will result in your application being marked as incomplete.
- Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Business: Site, Security, and Operations Final Plan of Record (fillable online form)
  - Review the questions for LPHE Retailers.
  - Review the questions for LPHE Manufacturers.
  - Review the questions for LPHE Wholesalers.
Guidance memos:
- Guidance Memo 2025-02: Standards for out-of-state hemp product importing (published 10/10/2025)
- Guidance Memo 2025-03: Hemp product transition authorized activities and license issuance timelines (published 10/10/2025)
- Guidance Memo 2025-04: Guidance for completing final plans of record (FPOR) for lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer applicants (published 10/15/2025)

Do you need assistance?

For general questions about the application process, please contact customer service via our Contact Us webpage.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) complies with all applicable anti-discrimination law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). OCM provides reasonable accommodations to licensing applicants with qualified disabilities on a case-by-case basis. To request an ADA accommodation, please visit our ADA webpage.