Minnesota Marijuana License

Minnesota legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023, and the first licensed retail sales followed in 2025. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulates adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.

Minnesota's structure leans toward small businesses: microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses can combine cultivation, manufacturing and retail. Social equity applicants, including people with past cannabis convictions, certain veterans and residents of high-poverty areas, get priority.

• Microbusiness and Mezzobusiness (vertically integrated, small and mid-size)
• Cultivator, Manufacturer, Retailer, Wholesaler
• Transporter, Delivery Service, Testing Facility, Event Organizer
• Medical cannabis cultivator, processor, retailer and combination business
• Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer and retailer

• Minnesota business entity with background checks
• Social equity documentation for priority review
• Local zoning compliance and retail registration with the city or county
• Security, inventory tracking and operating plans

• Microbusiness: $500 application; no initial license fee; $2,000 renewal
• Mezzobusiness: $5,000 application; $5,000 initial; $10,000 renewal
• Cultivator: $10,000 application; $20,000 initial; $30,000 renewal
• Manufacturer: $10,000 application; $10,000 initial; $20,000 renewal
• Testing facility / Wholesaler: $5,000 application; $5,000 initial; $10,000 renewal
• Retailer: $2,500 application; $2,500 initial; $5,000 renewal
• Delivery / Transporter: $250 application; $500 initial; $1,000 renewal
• Medical combination business: $10,000 application; $20,000 initial; $70,000 renewal

1. Check whether the OCM has an open application window.
2. Apply as a social equity or general applicant.
3. Pass vetting and, where applications exceed licenses, a lottery.
4. Secure local zoning approval and retail registration.
5. Pass inspection and receive your license.

• Adults 21+ may possess up to 2 ounces in public and 2 pounds at home, and grow up to 8 plants (4 flowering)
• Cities and counties can limit the number of retailers but can't ban them
• Hemp-derived THC products are also regulated by the OCM

• Minnesota resident with a qualifying condition, including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, ALS, autism and others on the state list
• Certification from a registered healthcare practitioner

1. Get certified by a registered practitioner.
2. Register with the OCM medical cannabis program.
3. Buy at a medical cannabis retailer.