At Quantum 9, we’ve always been committed to advocating for fairness and transparency in the cannabis licensing process. Recently, our CEO, Michael Mayes, alongside one of our clients, appeared on Fox 9 News to shed light on the challenges facing social equity applicants in Minnesota’s cannabis program. The segment highlighted critical missteps by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the impact on applicants who have poured significant time, money, and energy into pursuing licenses.
The Issue: Rejections Without Deficiency Notices
The OCM recently sent rejection notices to approximately 1,169 applicants, including many social equity applicants, without providing deficiency notices—a crucial step mandated by Minnesota law. These notices would have allowed applicants to address minor issues in their applications. This oversight has left many deserving applicants—such as veterans and individuals with prior cannabis convictions—disqualified from the lottery without the opportunity to correct small, technical errors.
Michael Mayes addressed these concerns during his Fox 9 interview, emphasizing the devastating impact this has on applicants who followed the rules but were blindsided by rejections. Many of these rejections could have been resolved with simple corrections, but the lack of an appeals process has further compounded the issue.
Watch the full interview here:
Quantum 9’s Commitment to Social Equity
Quantum 9 has been deeply involved in the Minnesota cannabis licensing program since its inception, working to ensure that the principles of social equity are upheld. We’ve assisted clients in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, offering guidance on Minnesota’s social equity requirements and helping them position their applications for success.
Our recent feature on Fox 9 News is just one example of how we advocate for our clients and push for accountability in the cannabis industry. If you’re facing challenges in Minnesota’s cannabis licensing process, we encourage you to reach out to our team for support.
Learn more about the Minnesota cannabis program and how we can help you:
- Minnesota Cannabis License Application Guide
- Cannabis Retail License in Minnesota: Guide and More
- Social Equity in Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry
The Road Ahead: Potential Lawsuits and Delays
Michael Mayes also shared concerns about the potential fallout from these rejections. With lawsuits expected to be filed in the coming days, the entire licensing process—and the lottery—could face significant delays, potentially putting the program in limbo for months or even years.
While we hope for swift resolution, Quantum 9 is prepared to support our clients and the broader cannabis community as we navigate these challenges together.
Stay Informed with Quantum 9
As Minnesota’s cannabis program continues to evolve, our Minnesota cannabis consultants remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness. Follow our updates and resources to stay informed about the latest developments in Minnesota and other emerging cannabis markets.
📩 Have questions or need support? Contact us today.
Quantum 9 is proud to stand with social equity applicants and fight for a more just and inclusive cannabis industry. Together, we can drive meaningful change.
