Are you looking to apply for a Minnesota cannabis dispensary license? With the state’s adult-use cannabis market opening soon, now is the time to prepare your application and secure a spot in Minnesota’s emerging industry.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will issue up to 150 dispensary licenses through a two-phase lottery system, with priority given to social equity applicants. However, for microbusinesses with a retail endorsement, there is no cap—making it the best route for those looking to open a Minnesota cannabis dispensary without entering a lottery.
This guide provides an overview of Minnesota cannabis dispensary licensing, key deadlines, application requirements, fees, and expert insights to help you launch a successful cannabis retail business.
What is a Minnesota Cannabis Dispensary License?
A cannabis dispensary license in Minnesota allows businesses to legally sell cannabis and cannabis products to consumers in compliance with state regulations. Licensed dispensaries can purchase products from cultivators, manufacturers, and wholesalers to sell in retail storefronts.
✅ Approved Activities for Licensed Retailers:
- Cannabis Flower & Products Sales – Sell cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, and infused products.
- Retail Storefront Operations – Operate a licensed dispensary location with a physical storefront.
- On-Site Consumption (If Endorsed) – Offer legal, on-site cannabis consumption at a designated lounge (separate endorsement required).
💡 Alternative Route:
Microbusinesses can sell cannabis under a retail endorsement without a cap or lottery. This means you can secure a dispensary license faster without random selection.
How Many Dispensary Licenses Are Available in Minnesota?
📢 Minnesota Cannabis Retail License Availability (2025 Cycle):
| License Type | Social Equity Licenses | General Licenses |
|---|---|---|
| Retailer License (Standard Dispensary) | 75 | 75 |
| Microbusiness with Retail Endorsement | No Limit | No Limit |
🔹 Microbusinesses with a retail endorsement can operate dispensaries without a lottery—making them an ideal option for entrepreneurs looking to secure a dispensary license faster and with less competition.
Minnesota Cannabis Dispensary Regulations
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) enforces strict regulations to ensure dispensaries operate safely and legally.
License holders must comply with:
🔹 Key Dispensary Compliance Requirements:
- Security Measures – 24/7 surveillance, controlled access, inventory tracking.
- Retail Sales Limits – Customers (21+) can purchase up to:
- 2 oz of cannabis flower
- 14 grams of concentrates
- 800 mg of infused products
- Operational & Training Standards – Employees must complete state-mandated training.
- Local Zoning & Municipal Approval – Dispensaries must comply with local land-use rules and secure approval before opening.
🚨 Important:
📢 The first retail dispensary licenses will be issued through a lottery in May-June 2025.
How to Apply for a Minnesota Cannabis Dispensary License
Below, our Minnesota cannabis consultants outline the step-by-step license application process:
Step 1: Verify Social Equity Status (If Applicable)
📅 Opens: January 15, 2025
📅 Closes: January 30, 2025
Social equity applicants receive priority in the first phase of the dispensary license lottery. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of:
✅ Residence in disproportionately impacted areas
✅ Prior cannabis-related convictions (or impacted family members)
✅ Military veteran or National Guard status
✅ Economic hardship qualifications
Step 2: Submit License Application
📅 Opens: February 18, 2025
📅 Closes: March 14, 2025
Applicants must submit detailed documentation, including:
📄 Disclosure of Ownership and Control
📊 Capitalization Table & Proof of Financial Readiness
🔒 Preliminary Security & Diversion Prevention Plan
🏢 Business Plan & Retail Operations Strategy
📈 Employee Training, Tax Compliance, and Inventory Control Plans
📢 Labor Peace Agreement Attestation
Step 3: Lottery & Selection Process
📅 May-June 2025 (Tentative Lottery Date)
Because Minnesota cannabis retailer licenses are capped, the state will hold a two-phase lottery:
✔ Social equity applicants enter the first lottery.
✔ Remaining licenses are distributed in a general lottery.
📢 If not selected, applicants may reapply in future licensing rounds. Microbusiness dispensary applicants do NOT need to enter a lottery.
Application Requirements for Minnesota Cannabis Retailers
To apply for a Minnesota cannabis retail license, businesses must submit the following:
- Disclosure of Ownership and Control (PDF)
- Capitalization Table (.xls(s))
- Preliminary Security Plan (PDF)
- Preliminary Business Plan (PDF)
- Attestation of Labor Peace Agreement (PDF)
- Preliminary Training and Educational Plan for Employees (PDF)
- Preliminary SOP Quality Assurance (PDF)
- Preliminary SOP Inventory Control, Storage, and Diversion Prevention (PDF)
- Preliminary SOP Accounting and Tax Compliance (PDF)
- Preliminary Operation Plan – Retail (PDF)
💡 Pro Tip: Partnering with experienced cannabis consultants like Quantum 9 ensures every aspect of your application meets state standards.
Fees for a Minnesota Cannabis Dispensary License
💰 Minnesota cannabis dispensary license fees include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $10,000 |
| Initial License Fee | $20,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | $30,000 |
Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
Minnesota’s cannabis retail market is expected to be one of the most competitive in the Midwest.
📢 Key Takeaways:
✔ 150 standard dispensary licenses will be issued via lottery.
✔ Microbusiness dispensary licenses are uncapped and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
✔ The application window is open from February 18 – March 14—so start preparing NOW!
✅ Work With Quantum 9 to Secure Your License!
At Quantum 9, we specialize in:
🔹 Winning Dispensary Licenses – 92% success rate across 33 U.S. states.
🔹 Full-Service Consulting – Application writing, facility design, branding, and operations.
🔹 Local Zoning & Compliance Assistance – Helping you secure municipal approval.
📞 Don’t Miss Your Chance—Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
