Minnesota
Minnesota has become the 23rd state in the nation to legalize cannabis use for people 21 and older.
The legislation creates the framework for adult-use cannabis in Minnesota and establishes a new Office of Cannabis Management, which will regulate cannabis (including for the adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and for lower-potency hemp edibles) and issue licenses and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the industry.
Current Legislation
Recreational marijuana became legal in Minnesota on August 1, 2023, when Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law. The law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants per household. It also creates a state-regulated market for the sale of marijuana products.
Here are some of the key provisions of the cannabis legislation in Minnesota:
Possession: Adults 21 and older are allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants per household.
Sale: The sale of marijuana is regulated by the state. There are three types of licenses available: cultivation licenses, manufacturing licenses, and retail licenses.
Taxation: Marijuana sales are subject to a 17% excise tax. The tax revenue will be used to fund a variety of programs, including public safety, education, and health care.
Expungement: The law also mandates the expungement of all misdemeanor marijuana offenses. Felony offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Minnesota since 2014. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state and purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.
Hemp is legal in Minnesota and can be grown, processed, and sold without a license. However, hemp products must contain no more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
Read the laws and regulations. The first step is to read the laws and regulations governing cannabis in Minnesota. These can be found on the website of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Choose a license type. There are three types of licenses available for cannabis businesses in Minnesota: cultivation licenses, manufacturing licenses, and retail licenses. Each type of license has its own requirements and fees.
Engage a cannabis business consultant. It is advisable to engage a cannabis business consultant to help you through the application process. A consultant can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and navigate the regulatory landscape.
Form a business entity. You will need to form a business entity, such as a corporation or limited liability company, in order to apply for a cannabis license.
Build a team. You will need to build a team of experienced professionals to help you run your cannabis business. This team should include a business manager, a financial advisor, a marketing consultant, and a security consultant.
Develop a business plan. You will need to develop a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This plan will be required as part of your application.
Raise capital. You will need to raise capital to start your cannabis business. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as loans, investments, or crowdfunding.
Choose a location. You will need to choose a location for your cannabis business. This location should be accessible to customers and have adequate space for your operations.
Garner local support. You will need to garner local support for your cannabis business. This can be done by meeting with local officials and community members and educating them about the benefits of cannabis legalization.
Submit your application. Once you have met all of the requirements, you can submit your application to the MDH. The application process can take several months (or more), so it is important to start early.
Get help from a cannabis business consultant like Dispensary Accelerator. A cannabis business consultant can help you understand the application process and the requirements. They can also help you prepare your dispensary business plan and reduce the length of time it normally takes to develop an application.
Our team has helped teams successfully plan ahead of legislation and get set up for success upon the change in legislation within their respective States.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help.
We have a successful track record of providing consulting services ranging from simple business plans, to full-scale dispensary build-outs and training programs.
Wherever there is a challenge, our team has met it.
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We help prospective teams reduce the risk of failure and costs through the knowledge and experience from our dispensary team.
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Cannabis industry entrepreneurs typically get lost on the path to building a business plan, due to the complexities of regulation, and highly expensive start-up costs. Our team ensures you get to the finish line efficiently.
