Minnesota Shifts Cannabis Licensing to Joint Lottery

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has canceled the planned social equity preapproval lottery for cannabis business licenses after legal challenges from denied applicants. A Ramsey County judge halted the process, leading OCM to proceed with a regular licensing cycle, delaying the launch of the legal cannabis market to mid-2025. Interim Director Charlene Briner emphasized that the decision aims to avoid further delays while maintaining social equity goals. The OCM will now conduct a lottery for both social equity and general applicants, with applications expected to be reviewed and licenses issued by May or June 2025. The 648 applicants who qualified for the initial preapproval will automatically advance in the process, while those denied can correct their applications or join the general lottery.