An administrative judge has approved the draft rules for Minnesota’s recreational cannabis market, moving the state closer to issuing licenses for cannabis-related businesses. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management announced that the rules were approved without any changes and are set to be published in the state register later this month.
Interim Director Eric Taubel stated that the adoption of these rules is a crucial step for launching the cannabis market. He emphasized that the Office cannot issue business licenses until the rules are in place. Taubel noted that the judge’s approval without changes demonstrates their effort to engage with the prospective cannabis business community and create a fair framework for safety and equity in Minnesota’s cannabis industry.
Approximately 200 social equity applicants, who were pre-approved for non-capped business license types such as single-store “microbusinesses,” will be the first to receive licenses once the rules take effect. This group includes individuals from communities historically affected by cannabis prohibition, including veterans, people of color, and those convicted of low-level marijuana offenses.
Jess Jackson, the director of social equity at the Office of Cannabis Management, highlighted the importance of maintaining early advantages for social equity applicants as envisioned by the Legislature. He explained that by allowing these pre-approved applicants the first opportunity at licenses, they are prioritizing social equity at all stages of the licensing process.
For capped license types, applicants will be chosen through lotteries this summer, with one lottery dedicated to social equity applicants and another for general applicants. Industry insiders, including a state senator and a cannabis business consultant, indicated that the timeline for establishing testing facilities may delay the widespread availability of dispensaries until next spring.
