Minnesota Retail Licenses
It won’t be long until the general cannabis application window opens in Minnesota. With an opening date anticipated for January 2025, The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is advising that you begin preparing now.
When it comes to licensing, there are three different options that give you the ability to open a retail dispensary. However, each one has unique authorized activities, scalability, and associated costs, so it’s important to learn all of the details before applying.
Here’s what you need to know.
Minnesota Microbusiness License
A Microbusiness License allows you to open a single retail dispensary in Minnesota. This license is ideal for individually owned businesses that don’t want to operate multiple dispensary locations.
Microbusiness Licenses also have the choice to apply to engage in a variety of other activities including small-scale cultivation, manufacturing, delivery, and more. Applying for a Microbusiness license costs $500, with an annual renewal fee of $2,000.
Minnesota Mezzobusiness License
A Mezzobusiness License allows you to open up to three retail dispensary locations in Minnesota. This license is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to operate multiple dispensaries and have the resources to scale up from a single store.
Just like the Microbusiness License, the Mezzobusiness License allows cannabis businesses to engage in a variety of other activities at a medium-scale. This includes cultivation, processing, and much more. You can find all of those details on the CannDelta Minnesota webpage.
While offering greater potential for revenue, the Mezzobusiness License comes with higher costs. The application fee is $5,000, and if approved, there is an additional initial license fee of $5,000. The annual renewal fee is $10,000. This license is a great option for those ready to manage a larger team and maximize their retail footprint.
Minnesota Cannabis Retailer License
The Cannabis Retailer License allows you to open up to five brick-and-mortar cannabis dispensaries across different locations in Minnesota. This license is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to focus exclusively on retail operations without getting involved in cultivation or manufacturing.
Applying for a Cannabis Retailer License costs $2,500, with an additional $2,500 due upon approval. The annual renewal fee is $5,000. This license is perfect for those looking to establish a multi-location retail business and concentrate their efforts on strategic marketing to maximize profits.
Minnesota Cannabis License Application Requirements
Minnesota’s OCM uses a lottery system to determine who is issued a license. Here are the general requirements for a Microbusiness, Mezzobusiness, and Dispensary License in Minnesota:
- Employee Training Plan: Outline your staffing needs and describe the training and resources to ensure employees meet their responsibilities lawfully and effectively.
- Business Plan and Financials: Provide an overview of standard operating procedures, strategies, capitalization, and sales plans needed to achieve business goals.
- Labor and Employment Practices: Adhere to federal, state, and Minnesota cannabis-specific labor laws to qualify for dispensary operations.
- Environmental Plan: Submit an operating plan covering environmental safety, waste management, and ventilation requirements.
- Social Equity License Proof: For business entities, ensure 65% of directors meet the qualification criteria, if applicable.
Why Work With CannDelta?
Minnesota’s cannabis laws are known for their intense vetting process, so being fully prepared is key as the recreational market opens. That’s where CannDelta comes in. With our expert guidance, you’ll have the confidence to navigate all the complexities and stay on top of the latest updates. Let’s make sure your dispensary application is rock-solid and ready for early 2024. Stand out from the competition and be one of Minnesota’s first cannabis retailers. Reach out to CannDelta today, and let’s get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Apply for a Cannabis Dispensary License in Minnesota?
To secure a cannabis dispensary license in Minnesota, start by choosing one of three types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, or retailer. Once you select the best fit for your brand, submit the necessary documents and application fee to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Since Minnesota is still finalizing its processes for cannabis dispensaries, consulting an expert can help you complete the application and navigate any complexities.
How Much Will it Cost to Open a Dispensary in Minnesota?
It depends. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) offers various licenses for cannabis businesses planning to open a dispensary in Minnesota. The application, license, and renewal fees will vary based on the scope of operations permitted.
Are There Recreational Dispensaries in Minnesota?
There are no licensed recreational dispensaries in Minnesota yet. While recreational cannabis use has been legalized in Minnesota since August 2023, the state won’t have licensed cannabis dispensaries until 2025 since the first licensing round only wrapped up in the summer of 2024.
