Minnesota’s Cannabis Grant Program
- barneyelias0
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
September 17 2025
Minnesota uses cannabis legalization revenue to support communities harmed by past prohibition laws.
Restoring Communities
The Office of Cannabis Management distributes $1 million in CanRenew grants to nonprofits. These funds uplift marginalized groups, especially those over-policed during prohibition.
“It’s about repairing past wrongs,” said Jess Jackson, director of social equity.
Disproportionate Impact
Drug enforcement heavily targeted people of color. In 2020, Black Minnesotans were 5.4 times more likely to face cannabis possession arrests than white Minnesotans, despite similar usage rates, per the ACLU.
Growing Funds
Grants will rise to $11 million next year as the cannabis industry expands and tax revenue grows.
Community Impact
In Steele County, United Way receives $100,000 to build a teen center in Owatonna. It will offer a safe space for youth, providing homework help, support groups, and mental health resources.
Annette Duncan, United Way president, noted many teens have family members incarcerated for substance use. A third of the county’s 37,000 residents live in poverty or near it.
Teens need “a safe place that’s not home or school,” Duncan said. The center aims to reduce youth suicide rates and provide mentorship.
2025 Grant Recipients
Affinity Care MN (Bloomington): $100,000
Beltrami Area Service Collaboration (Bemidji): $100,000
Girls Dream Code (St. Paul): $50,000
Hired (Minneapolis): $85,000
Ignite Afterschool (Minneapolis): $75,000
InTENtions (Brooklyn Center & Mora): $100,000
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Minneapolis): $70,000
Vermilion Country School (Tower): $100,000
Walker West Music Academy (St. Paul): $50,000
World Youth Connect (St. Paul): $100,000
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