by Leah Bartizal | Jun 16, 2024 | Minnesota Cannabis News
Application Process
The process for general licenses will be announced soon. In the meantime, OCM recommends preparing your proposed business plan, security plan, and business capitalization table, as well as standard operating procedures for: quality assurance; inventory control, storage, and diversion prevention; and accounting and tax compliance. This will help you be ready when the application period for general licenses opens.
Available license types
These are general descriptions of license types. More details will be available in guidance materials.
Application fees, initial licensing fees, and renewal licensing fees are nonrefundable.
Note: License types labeled with an asterisk are available for license preapproval for social equity applicants who meet requirements.
Cannabis Microbusiness
Cost:
- application fee $500
- no initial license fee
- renewal license fee $2,000
Cannabis microbusinesses can grow, make, sell, and buy cannabis (including plants and seedlings) and lower-potency hemp products. They can also have on-site lounges where customers can use cannabis. These businesses can grow up to 5,000 square feet of cannabis plants indoors and up to one-half acre outdoors. This license may hold a cannabis event organizer license.
Early cultivation opportunity: Social equity applicants with a preapproved cannabis microbusiness license and appropriate local approval may be allowed to grow cannabis plants under existing rules for medical cannabis cultivators and prior to adoption of adult-use rules.
Cannabis Mezzobusiness
Cost:
- application fee $5,000
- initial license fee $5,000
- renewal license fee $10,000
Cannabis mezzobusinesses can grow, make, sell, and buy cannabis (including plants and seedlings) and lower-potency hemp products. Mezzobusinesses can grow up to 15,000 square feet of cannabis plants indoors and up to one acre outdoors. This license type is available in limited quantities, and licensees will be selected through a vetted lottery.
Early cultivation opportunity: Social equity applicants with a preapproved cannabis mezzobusiness license and appropriate local approval may be allowed to grow cannabis plants under existing rules for medical cannabis cultivators and prior to adoption of adult-use rules.
Cannabis Cultivator
Cost:
- application fee $10,000
- initial license fee $20,000
- renewal license fee $30,000
Cannabis cultivators can grow cannabis plants from seed to maturity. They can grow up to 30,000 square feet of cannabis plants indoors and two acres outdoors. Cultivators are allowed to harvest, package, label, and transport fully grown cannabis plants to manufacturers. They can also package, label, and transport seedlings. This license type is available in limited quantities, and licensees will be selected through a vetted lottery.
Early cultivation opportunity : Social equity applicants with a preapproved cannabis cultivator license and appropriate local approval may be allowed to grow cannabis plants under existing rules for medical cannabis cultivators and prior to adoption of adult-use rules.
Cannabis Manufacturer
Cost:
- application fee $10,000
- initial license fee $10,000
- renewal license fee $20,000
Cannabis manufacturers process raw cannabis plants into various products, such as edibles, concentrates, wax, oils, and tinctures. Manufacturers can buy cannabis flowers, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products from other cannabis businesses. They turn these materials into cannabis products, then package and sell them to other cannabis businesses. This license type is available in limited quantities, and licensees will be selected through a vetted lottery.
Cannabis Retailer
Cost:
- application fee $2,500
- initial license fee $2,500
- renewal license fee $5,000
Cannabis retailers sell packaged cannabis products to the general public and medical patients. They can buy cannabis (including plants and seedlings) and lower-potency hemp products from other cannabis businesses and sell them to customers. This license type is available in limited quantities, and licensees will be selected through a vetted lottery. A cannabis retailer may operate up to five retail locations; however, no person, cooperative, or business may hold a license to own or operate more than one cannabis retail business in one city and three retail businesses in one county.
Cannabis Wholesaler
Cost:
- application fee $5,000
- initial license fee $5,000
- renewal license fee $10,000
Cannabis wholesalers buy cannabis, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products from cannabis businesses and then sell them to other cannabis business.
Cannabis Transporter
Cost:
- application fee $250
- initial license fee $500
- renewal license fee $1,000
Cannabis transporters are businesses that move cannabis, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products between businesses.
Cannabis Testing Facility
Cost:
- application fee $5,000
- initial license fee $5,000
- renewal license fee $10,000
Cannabis testing facilities receive cannabis, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products from manufacturers and cultivators to test. They ensure these products meet safety standards.
Cannabis Event Organizer
Cost:
- application fee $750
- initial license fee $750
Cannabis event organizers plan and host events featuring cannabis, and may allow for the sale of cannabis, cannabis products, and lower-potency hemp products to consumers at events like festivals (an event cannot last more than four days). They can also provide spaces for consumers to use cannabis. An event organizer must receive local approval, including obtaining any necessary permits or licenses issued by a local unit of government.
Cannabis Delivery Service
Cost:
- application fee $250
- initial license fee $500
- renewal license fee $1,000
A cannabis delivery service purchase cannabis and lower-potency hemp products from specific cannabis businesses and sell and deliver those products directly to consumers.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Manufacturer
Cost:
- application fee $250
- initial license fee $1,000
- renewal license fee $1,000
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers produce edibles from hemp. These manufacturers can create, package, and label lower-potency hemp products, and sell them to cannabis businesses. This license type cannot hold any cannabis business licenses.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer
Cost:
- application fee $250 per retail location
- initial license fee $250 per retail location
- renewal license fee $250 per retail location
Lower-potency hemp edible retailers sell packaged lower-potency hemp edibles to consumers. This license type cannot hold any cannabis business licenses.
Medical Cannabis Combination Business
Cost:
- application fee $10,000
- initial license fee $20,000
- renewal license fee $70,000
Medical cannabis combination businesses can grow, manufacture, package, label, and sell cannabis products (including cannabis plants and seedlings) to both medical patients and adult consumers. These businesses can package and sell medical cannabis products to other eligible cannabis businesses. They are allowed to cultivate up to 60,000 square feet of medical cannabis plant canopy for distribution into the medical market, and depending upon the total amount of medical sales the year prior, up to an additional 30,000 square feet of cannabis plant canopy for distribution into the adult-use market.
by Leah Bartizal | Jun 6, 2024 | Compassionate Care, Minnesota Cannabis News
Dear Minnesota Medical Cannabis Patient,
We have important updates about Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program.
On May 24, 2024, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill introducing several changes to cannabis legislation that may affect you as a participant in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.
Starting July 1, 2024:
Veterans: Veterans can now use a separate application to enroll in the Medical Cannabis Program without needing certification from a registered healthcare provider. A unique form for self-certifying qualifying conditions will be available on the Medical Cannabis Program website. Veterans can then complete the standard patient enrollment application.
Recertification: Patients will now need to recertify their qualifying medical condition and complete an online enrollment application every three years, instead of annually. Applications approved on or after July 1 will follow this new three-year cycle. Approvals made before July 1 will not be retroactively extended.
Qualifying Conditions: The definition of a qualifying medical condition has been expanded to include any condition recommended, approved, or authorized by a healthcare practitioner.
Caregivers: Registered caregivers will no longer need to undergo a background check.
Administrative Changes: The Office of Medical Cannabis will become a division within the Office of Cannabis Management, effective July 1. This change will not impact your status in the medical cannabis program, and there will be no disruption in your ability to purchase medical cannabis.
For more information on the medical cannabis program and additional legislative changes, please visit our Medical Cannabis website.
If you have further questions, please call 651-201-5598 (toll-free at 844-879-3381) or email health.cannabis@state.mn.us.
by Leah Bartizal | Jun 4, 2024 | DIY
I am thrilled to announce the launch of High Art Minnesota, a unique platform dedicated to the vibrant and growing cannabis community in the Twin Cities. This new endeavor is more than just a website; it’s a trusted resource designed to protect your privacy while keeping you informed about all the latest happenings within the local cannabis scene. High Art Minnesota is here to serve as your go-to guide for everything cannabis-related, from news and events to trusted product recommendations and community connections.
The idea for High Art Minnesota was born out of my personal journey with mental health and the healing power of cannabis. As someone who has navigated the complexities of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I understand the importance of finding reliable information and supportive communities. Through my experiences with cannabis and the arts, I discovered not only relief but also a passionate community that welcomed me with open arms. High Art Minnesota aims to extend that sense of community and support to others.
What High Art Minnesota Offers:
High Art Minnesota is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in cannabis within the Twin Cities. Here’s what you can expect from our platform:
Privacy Protection: Your privacy is our top priority. We ensure that your personal information is safeguarded, allowing you to explore the site and engage with the community confidently and securely.
Up-to-Date Information: Stay informed with the latest news, trends, and events in the local cannabis scene. From new product launches to community gatherings, High Art Minnesota keeps you in the loop.
Trusted Recommendations: Discover reliable products and services that cater to your needs. Our recommendations are based on thorough research and community feedback, ensuring that you have access to quality options.
Community Connection: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and experiences. High Art Minnesota fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where you can share your stories, ask questions, and find solidarity.
My journey to this point has been deeply personal and transformative. After surviving a traumatic police raid and the loss of a parent to suicide, I faced significant mental health challenges. The stigma surrounding PTSD, depression, and anxiety often left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. However, discovering the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and engaging in creative arts, such as music, pin-up girl photography, and jewelry design, helped me reclaim my narrative and find my community.
Launching High Art Minnesota is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of supportive networks. By sharing my story and creating this platform, I hope to inspire others to seek help, explore new avenues for healing, and connect with a community that understands and supports them. as they learn to grow their own medicine and source from the best medical dispensaries.
I invite you to explore High Art Minnesota and become part of this exciting new chapter. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast, our platform is here to provide you with trusted information, protect your privacy, and connect you with a vibrant community in the Twin Cities. Together, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health and cannabis, and celebrate the healing and transformative power they offer while learning about our favorite lady Marijuana.
Join us at High Art Minnesota and be a part of a community that values support, privacy, and the shared journey towards wellness, acceptance and green abundance.
Leah
by Leah Bartizal | Jun 3, 2024 | DIY
Since Minnesota began targeting the illegal sale of raw cannabis flower in many registered hemp retailers, state agents have confiscated a significant amount of product with a substantial retail value.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) reports that inspectors have seized and destroyed 12,094 units of raw cannabis flower—including bags, jars, and pre-rolled joints—with an estimated retail value of $278,000. These illegal products, sourced from 58 different retail locations, totaled nearly 73 pounds of raw cannabis flower.
While it’s been legal to possess and use cannabis in Minnesota since last August, selling it remains illegal until next spring. Although many hemp-derived low-potency products like gummies and beverages have been legal since the summer of 2022, raw cannabis flower occupies a gray area. If it has low THC content, it could be legal. However, most products sold have exceeded the potency levels that separate hemp from marijuana.
The delay in cracking down on illegal sales is due to a gap in the 2023 law intended to regulate hemp products temporarily while establishing the OCM. The Office of Medical Cannabis was given temporary control over the hemp-derived market but not raw flower, only products like gummies and drinks.
This regulatory gap allowed some stores to sell flower that looks, smells, and intoxicates like marijuana, putting law-abiding retailers at a competitive disadvantage. The raw flower was often marketed as hemp with high concentrations of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which, when smoked or vaped, converts to THC.
Due to this loophole, inspectors lacked the authority to test products for THC levels. However, a test arranged by MinnPost earlier this year revealed that the flower being sold exceeded legal THC concentration levels, identifying it as high-potency cannabis.
State regulators devised a solution: an interagency agreement where medical cannabis inspectors could be deputized by the OCM to enforce the ban on raw flower sales. This agreement, effective since March 7, empowered inspectors to confiscate raw flower exceeding potency limits.
Inspectors reviewed certificates of analysis for all hemp-derived products and utilized a mobile testing lab. An enforcement notice to retailers threatened fines “in excess of $1 million” and warned that violators might jeopardize their chances of obtaining recreational licenses next year. However, no fines or citations have been issued so far.
Recent revisions to the state’s cannabis law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz (DFL), include provisions preventing the OCM from issuing licenses to businesses that violated the law after August 1, 2023, unless the violation was deemed a mistake, made in good faith, or did not involve gross negligence.
The updated law also moves all operations of the Office of Medical Cannabis, including regulation of the hemp-derived market, to the OCM starting in July, eliminating the need for the interagency agreement.
David Mendolia, owner of St. Paul Cannabis, was among the retailers who complained about the lack of regulation. He expressed satisfaction that illegal products are being removed from stores but questioned why no citations were issued.
Mendolia highlighted the unfair advantage some stores gained by selling illegal flower, stating, “The places that have been doing it have been reported by those who are better actors over and over and over and over.”
The legality of THCA flower remains contentious. Under federal law, plants with less than 0.3 percent THC by weight are classified as hemp, but when smoked or vaped, these plants can produce illegal concentrations of THC. A recent DEA letter clarified that THCA is considered marijuana, not hemp, suggesting that much of the THCA flower sold in Minnesota—and available online—may be federally illegal.
This story was first published by MinnPost.
