Minnesota is making progress toward expanding cannabis retail as the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has submitted new rules for final approval. This announcement brings residents closer to seeing cannabis shops opening in various locations across the state.
The OCM conducted multiple surveys on specific rulemaking topics and held discussions with stakeholders to create these regulations. If a judge approves the proposed rules, the state will begin issuing licenses to nearly 200 pre-approved entrepreneurs, potentially allowing them to start their businesses soon. The judge is expected to make a decision within two weeks.
Earlier this year, the OCM shared a draft of the rules for public comment and revised the proposal based on the feedback received. Additionally, more license lotteries for social equity applicants and general applicants are planned for later this year. A judge had previously halted the cannabis lottery late last year due to several lawsuits.
Recreational marijuana was legalized by the Minnesota legislature in 2023, with the initial goal of launching the recreational market by January of this year. The developments in the licensing process are crucial for meeting that timeline.
