The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced on Monday, April 7, that an administrative law judge has approved draft rules for the state’s adult-use cannabis market. These rules, which were approved without any changes, will be published in the State Register and are set to take effect later this month. The OCM views this as a significant milestone, marking the final step toward launching the state’s cannabis market by enabling the OCM to begin issuing business licenses.
Interim Director Eric Taubel emphasized the importance of these rules, stating that they are the most crucial step to launching the cannabis market. He noted that the OCM could not issue business licenses until the rules were in place. Taubel pointed out that the judge’s approval, without changes, demonstrates the OCM’s commitment to engaging with the cannabis business community and establishing a fair structure for safety and equity in Minnesota’s cannabis industry.
The OCM reported that there are over a thousand qualified applicants seeking social equity licenses. Additionally, more than 6,000 applicants advanced from the preapproval process last fall. Jess Jackson, the OCM’s director of social equity, highlighted the importance of preserving early-mover advantages for these applicants, as envisioned by the Legislature. He stated that allowing those who qualified during the preapproval phase to have the first opportunity at licenses reflects the OCM’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing social equity in every stage of licensing.
