Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has submitted its final draft of rules for the retail recreational marijuana industry, paving the way for potential dispensary licenses. This move follows several rounds of public input and is seen as a significant step toward the establishment of legal cannabis sales in the state.
The proposed rules were submitted for final approval on Tuesday, marking a crucial moment in the licensing process. The OCM first shared a draft in 2024 and collected public feedback before posting a final draft from January 13 to February 12, 2025. An administrative law judge will now have 14 days to approve, deny, or modify these rules. Once approved, they will be published in the State Register and become official.
Once the rules are formally adopted, the OCM will begin issuing cannabis business licenses. Currently, nearly 200 prospective business owners have applications ready for uncapped license types, which could be approved soon after the rules are finalized. For capped licenses, including cultivator and retailer types, lottery drawings will be held later this year, allowing both social equity and general applicants a chance to secure licenses.
Eric Taubel, the Interim Director of the OCM, expressed optimism about the approval process. He stated that reaching this milestone allows prospective businesses to finalize their steps toward obtaining a cannabis license, ensuring that Minnesotans will have access to a safe and well-regulated cannabis market.
Overall, the licensing process has faced challenges, leaving some applicants frustrated, but the OCM remains committed to moving forward as the rules await judicial approval.
