ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired on March 29, 2024.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is preparing to open the social equity application process for those who want to be pre-approved for a cannabis business license.
OCM announced in a news release Tuesday that qualified individuals can start the social equity verification process on Monday, June 24. It is the first step to being considered in this summer's launch of the state's new recreational marijuana/cannabis industry.
To be eligible for social equity verification, an applicant needs to fit one of the following:
- Must have been convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of cannabis prior to May 1, 2023.
- Had a parent, guardian, child, spouse or dependent convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of cannabis prior to May 1, 2023.
- Was a dependent of someone convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of cannabis prior to May 1, 2023.
- Is a military veteran, including service-disabled veterans, or current/former members of the National Guard.
- Is a military veteran or National Guard member who lost honorable status due to an offense involving the possession or sale of cannabis.
- Has been a resident for the past five years of an area with high cannabis enforcement rates, high levels of poverty or vulnerable populations.
- Has participated in farm operations for at least three years, providing the majority of day-to-day labor and management on a farm with gross sales between $5,000 and $100,000 in the previous year.
Consult with the OCM website for a list of materials that must be submitted along with the social equity verification. The first-round application process will be open between June 24 to July 24.
“We encourage potential applicants to start this process as soon as possible to ensure they have enough time to collect the required documents and complete the process,” said Charlene Briner, OCM interim director in a released statement. “We will continue to add materials and information resources to our website to support applicants every step of the way.”
Applicants who are verified in this first round can submit an application for business license preapproval when that application window opens on July 24. Submitted license applications will go through a review and vetting process, and if qualified, be entered into a lottery, which is planned for this fall.
Licenses will be granted for cannabis cultivating and manufacturing, transporting, testing and delivery, among other business categories.
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