The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management this week submitted its final draft of the state’s adult-use cannabis industry regulations for approval. If the rules are approved by a judge with the Office of Judicial Hearings, cannabis licenses could start being awarded — and businesses could start opening — within weeks.
It’s the biggest step Minnesota has taken toward launching its regulated adult-use cannabis market since lawmakers approved the policy in 2023.
“These rules lay the foundation to ensure Minnesotans can have confidence in a safe, well-regulated cannabis market,” said OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel.
“Our timeline for launching the adult-use market has forecasted completing rules by the end of first quarter 2025. With the rules now in the hands of an administrative law judge for final approval, we’ve reached a crucial milestone. Following approval, prospective businesses will be able to complete their final steps and receive a cannabis license.” — Taubel, in a press release
Minnesota’s cannabis industry launch has been fraught with challenges: the state’s cannabis social equity license lottery was canceled last year following several lawsuits filed by applicants whose applications were denied, and the OCM’s former director, Charline Briner, resigned in January.
Meanwhile, a report filed earlier this month found Minnesota is one of six state markets set to contribute more than 75% of U.S. cannabis sales growth over the next three years.
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