Are you considering applying for a Minnesota cannabis manufacturer license? With the state’s transition to a standard licensing cycle and recent regulatory updates, now is the time to prepare a competitive application and secure your place in this emerging market.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has set statutory caps on the number of cannabis manufacturing licenses issued, meaning only 24 total licenses will be granted (12 reserved for social equity applicants and 12 open to general applicants). This makes early preparation essential for success.
This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of the licensing process, including eligibility requirements, fees, key deadlines, and best practices to maximize your chances of approval.
What is a Minnesota Cannabis Manufacturer License?
A cannabis manufacturing license in Minnesota allows businesses to legally process cannabis into consumer products, including edibles, concentrates, tinctures, beverages, vapes, and infused topicals.
🔹 Approved Activities for Licensed Manufacturers:
✅ Extraction & Processing – Convert raw cannabis flower into oil, distillate, and other derivatives.
✅ Edibles & Infused Products – Produce gummies, baked goods, drinks, and capsules.
✅ Vape & Concentrates – Manufacture shatter, wax, live resin, and cartridges.
✅ Testing & Quality Assurance – Ensure potency, purity, and safety compliance.
✅ Packaging & Labeling – Create compliant cannabis product packaging for retail sale.
🔎 Key Consideration: Unlike microbusinesses, manufacturer licenses are standalone and do not include cultivation or retail sales. However, licensed manufacturers can sell their products wholesale to licensed retailers, cultivators, and wholesalers.
How Many Manufacturer Licenses Are Available in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has placed statutory caps on the number of manufacturer licenses available:
📢 Available Manufacturer Licenses (2025 Cycle):
- 12 licenses reserved for verified social equity applicants
- 12 licenses available to general applicants
Minnesota Cannabis Manufacturing Regulations
Minnesota strictly regulates the cannabis manufacturing industry to ensure product safety, transparency, and quality. License holders must comply with:
How to Apply for a Minnesota Cannabis Manufacturer License
Below, our Minnesota cannabis consultants outline the full application process for a cannabis processing license:
Step 1: Verify Social Equity Status (If Applicable)
📅 Opens: January 15, 2025
📅 Closes: January 30, 2025
Social equity applicants must verify eligibility by providing documentation, such as:
✔ Proof of residence in a disproportionately impacted area
✔ Evidence of past cannabis-related convictions (or family impact)
✔ Military veteran or National Guard status
✔ Economic hardship or agriculture experience qualifications
Social equity applicants receive priority in the first-phase lottery.
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
- Instructions Capitalization Table
- Security Plan
- Business Plan
- Labor Peace Agreement Attestation Pre-Condition Form
- Description of Training and Education for Employees
- Quality Assurance SOPs
- Inventory Control, Storage, and Diversion Prevention SOPs
- Accounting and Tax Compliance SOPs
- Manufacturer Operation Plan (PDF)
📢 Pro Tip: With limited licenses available, it’s crucial to submit a fully compliant, well-documented application to maximize your chances of approval.
Step 3: Lottery & Selection Process
📅 May-June 2025 (Tentative Lottery Date)
Because manufacturer licenses are capped, OCM will conduct a lottery-based selection process:
✔ Social equity applicants are entered into the first lottery.
✔ Remaining applicants (including social equity who were not selected) enter the general lottery.
📢 If not selected, applicants may reapply in future licensing rounds.
Application Requirements for Cannabis Manufacturers
To apply for a Minnesota cannabis processing license, you must submit the following:
- Disclosure of Ownership and Control
- Capitalization Table
- Instructions Capitalization Table
- Security Plan
- Business Plan
- Labor Peace Agreement Attestation Pre-Condition Form
- Description of Training and Education for Employees
- Quality Assurance SOPs
- Inventory Control, Storage, and Diversion Prevention SOPs
- Accounting and Tax Compliance SOPs
- Manufacturer Operation Plan (PDF)
📢 Pro Tip: Engaging a Minnesota cannabis consultant like Quantum 9 ensures that every aspect of your application meets regulatory standards and best practices.
Fees for a Minnesota Cannabis Manufacturer License
💰 Minnesota cannabis manufacturing license fees include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $10,000 |
| Initial License Fee | $20,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | $30,000 |
📢 Investing in a strong application upfront can prevent costly delays later.
Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
With limited manufacturer licenses available, securing a cannabis processor license in Minnesota is a competitive but lucrative opportunity.
However, the lottery-based selection process means that only the most well-prepared applicants will succeed.
✔ Why Work with Quantum 9?
🔹 Proven Track Record: We’ve helped clients secure cannabis licenses across 33 U.S. states & 6 countries.
🔹 High Success Rate: We secured 100% approval for our Minnesota clients in the previous round.
🔹 Full-Service Consulting: From cannabis business planning to facility design and SOP preparation, we handle everything.
📢 Ready to Apply? Let’s Win Your License!
✅ Schedule a free consultation today.
