Minnesota is making significant progress toward launching its adult-use cannabis market. A judge has recently approved draft rules that will guide the sale of cannabis products in the state.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management confirmed that the administrative law judge approved the rules without any changes. These regulations will take effect later this month, allowing the office to start issuing business licenses to applicants, according to a state spokesperson.
This approval marks an “important milestone” for the state’s cannabis market. Interim Director Eric Taubel stated that the adoption of these rules is crucial, as the Office of Cannabis Management could not distribute business licenses until the regulations were established. He emphasized that the judge’s approval demonstrates the office’s commitment to engaging with the cannabis business community and creating a fair and safe framework for Minnesota’s cannabis industry.
There are four types of licenses available: cultivator, mezzobusiness, manufacturer, and retailer. Each license type has limits defined by state law, and applicants will be selected through lottery drawings for these licenses.
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana on August 1, 2023, becoming the 23rd state to do so. On that day, lines extended around the block when the first dispensary opened on the Red Lake Nation, which did not have to wait for the state’s licensing process to begin.
