Minnesota awards first round of licenses

Jenny Beth Dills

Original High At 9 News Story

06-06-2025

On June 5, 2025, Minnesota marked a significant milestone in its journey toward a regulated

cannabis market by awarding 249 business licenses through its inaugural cannabis license

lottery. This event, overseen by the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), represents

a pivotal step in establishing a legal framework for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and

retail operations within the state.

A Milestone in Cannabis Regulation

The lottery process was designed to distribute licenses across four key categories: cultivator,

manufacturer, mezzobusiness (a combination of cultivation, manufacturing, and retail), and

retailer. Out of 776 qualified applicants, 249 were selected to advance in the licensing process.

Notably, a significant portion of these licenses were allocated to social equity

applicants—individuals from communities disproportionately affected by previous cannabis

prohibition laws, including veterans and residents of high-poverty areas .

Voices from the Community

The announcement brought a mix of emotions among applicants. Nick Rahn, a veteran and

owner of Warrior’s Garden in St. Paul, expressed his elation upon receiving a retailer license.

He plans to expand his operations and continue supporting his nonprofit, Warriors Next

Adventure, which aids veterans dealing with PTSD .

Similarly, Abbey Johnson, who owns hemp retail stores in Lakeville and Dundas, secured a

retailer license. She aims to incorporate cannabis products into her existing businesses by

September, highlighting the opportunities the new market presents for entrepreneurs .

Next Steps for Licensees

While the lottery winners have cleared a significant hurdle, they must now complete several

requirements before commencing operations. These include passing criminal background

checks, securing business locations, obtaining local government approvals, and undergoing

inspections by the OCM. Additionally, licensees must enter into labor peace agreements with

qualifying unions .

The timeline for opening dispensaries will largely depend on how swiftly these steps are

completed. Some, like Rahn, are optimistic about launching by August 1, while others anticipate

openings in early 2026 .

Looking Ahead

For those who did not secure licenses in this round, there remains hope. The OCM has

announced a second lottery scheduled for July 22, which will include remaining social equity

applicants and general applicants for retailer licenses .

Minnesota’s approach to cannabis legalization emphasizes equity and community involvement.

As the state continues to build its legal cannabis market, these initial steps lay the groundwork

for a system that seeks to rectify past injustices and foster