General Licensing Process

OCM will accept applications for cannabis event organizer licenses and cannabis testing facility licenses beginning August 1. There will be another opportunity for prospective applicants to have their social equity status verified between July 7 at 12:01 a.m. CDT and July 21 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Visit the Social Equity Verification Process webpage for more information.

Key Dates

June 2 – Registration window reopened (through Aug. 31) for retailers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs)

June 5 - Lotteries for cultivators, manufacturers, and mezzobusinesses (social equity applicants and general applicants; and retailers (social equity applicants only)

July 7 - Social equity applicant verification window opens at 12:01 a.m. CDT (through July 21)

July 21 - Social equity applicant verification window closes at 11:59 p.m. CDT

July 22 - Lottery for retailers (social equity applicants and general applicants) at time TBD

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 accepted beginning August 1, 2025. 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 2/14/2025)
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 4/15/2025)
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.

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.
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 6/18/2025)
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.

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.
- Local Approval of Cannabis Event form (PDF)
Resources for Applying for a Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Business License

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.

Applicants with Disabilities

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. If you have a disability and would like to request reasonable accommodations for the licensing application process, call ADA Coordinator, Kara Shand, at 651-539-5844 or email kara.shand@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.