General Licensing Process

OCM will accept applications for cannabis event organizer licenses and cannabis testing facility licenses beginning August 1.

Jump to resources for applying for a cannabis event organizer license.
Jump to resources for applying for a cannabis testing facility license.

Key Dates

August 1 - Cannabis event organizer and testing facility license application windows open (ongoing)

August 31 - Registration window closes for retailers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs)

October 1 - License application window opens for lower-potency hemp edible retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers (through Oct. 31)

October 31 - License application window closes for lower-potency hemp edible retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers

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.

Applications for cannabis event organizer licenses and cannabis testing facility licenses will be available for submission beginning August 1, 2025, and will be reviewed on an ongoing, rolling basis.

Applications for lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer, lower-potency hemp edible retailer, and lower-potency hemp edible wholesaler licenses will be accepted between October 1 and October 31, 2025.

General Licensing Resources

Creation and Submission of License Application Using the OCM Citizen Portal (updated 2/14/2025)
This guide provides guidance and instructions for people seeking a cannabis business license, including step-by-step instructions on how to register an account on the OCM Citizen Portal, 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 licensing steps.

Resources for Applying for a Cannabis Business License
Cannabis Business License Application Review and Qualifications Guidance (updated 2/14/2025)
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 - Microbusiness or Mezzobusiness (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Manufacturer (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Retailer (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Wholesaler (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Testing Facility (PDF) (updated 7/25/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Transporter (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Delivery Service (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Cultivator (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
- Preliminary Operation Plan - Medical Cannabis Combination Business (updated 2/18/25)
- Cultivation Plan (PDF) (updated 2/18/25)
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 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.

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 on OCM Citizen Portal 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 on Accela after submitting the FPOR on the OCM Citizen Portal.
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 OCM Citizen Portal application. Important: Failure to upload your completed online forms to the OCM Citizen Portal will result in your application being marked as incomplete.
Resources for Applying for a Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Business License

Hemp Registrant to License Holder Conversion Guide (updated 5/27/25)
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.

The Lower-Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) License Guide (updated 5/27/25)
This guide outlines the LPHE licensure timeline, types of licenses and endorsements available, allowable business activities, and product requirements.

Navigating Hemp Licensing (PDF) (updated 5/9/2025)
This 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.

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.