Minnesota Rejects Two-Thirds of Cannabis License Applicants

Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has disqualified approximately two-thirds of the 1,817 applicants for social equity cannabis business licenses, leaving around 640 eligible for the upcoming lottery scheduled for December 2. The rejections stemmed from incomplete applications, improper actions like submitting multiple applications, or failing to meet eligibility criteria. Interim OCM Director Charlene Briner emphasized the importance of submitting a successful application, stating that many rejected applicants engaged in tactics to manipulate their chances. The OCM plans to notify successful applicants within two weeks, while rejected applicants can request a review of their records but have no formal appeal process. The lottery will allocate 280 licenses for retail, cultivation, and manufacturing. This has led to frustration among many applicants who felt the process was unfair, especially given that some rejections were due to minor clerical errors.